General Advice:
Patients suffering from the current mild type of flu normally have a rapid recovery. If you have symptoms of flu, stay at home and telephone your GP. Some of the symptoms are the sudden onset of fever, cough or shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include: headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite.
Do NOT go directly to the GP surgery or A&E department without telephoning first. This could actually spread the illness to other people.
Everyone should help to protect themselves and others at this time. As the situation changes, you should keep an eye out for announcements in the press - watch the news and listen to the radio to make yourself more aware of what is going on. General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can reduce transmission of all viruses. Key messages are:-
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible. Bin the tissues after one use.
Dispose of dirty tisses promptly and carefully.
Maintain good basic hygiene, washing hands frequently with soap and hot water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
Use sanitiser gel often.
Clean hard surfaces (e.e. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Make sure your children also follow this advice.
It is important for us to make sure that you have up-to-date advice. The Swine Flu Information Line on 08000 514 142 will be updated regularly.
Remember: Catch it! Bin it! Kill it!