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Swine Flu

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu contact the National Flu Pandemic Service on 0800 1 513 100 (Minicom on 0800 1 513 200).

You can also check your symptoms online at https://www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk/

You should not go to A&E if you suspect you have swine flu.

You should call your GP directly if:  

• You have a serious underlying illness
• You are pregnant
• You have a sick child under one year old
• Your condition suddenly gets much worse
• Your condition is still getting worse after seven days (or five days for a child)

The National Pandemic Flu Service is a self-care service that will asses your symptoms and, if required, provide an authorisation number which can be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point.

If you don’t have symptoms and just want information call 0800 1 513 513.

As swine flu spreads, it is important to be able to recognise its symptoms.

The typical symptoms are: sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38°c/100.4°F or above), and sudden cough. Other symptoms may include: headache, tiredness, chills, aching muscles, limb or joint pain, diarrhoea or stomach upset, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and loss of appetite.

There are simples steps everyone can take that can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. These are:

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible;
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
• Making sure your children follow this advice.

People who have swine flu symptoms will be given a unique access number and told where their nearest antiviral collection point is. They should then ask a flu friend – a friend or relative who doesn’t have swine flu – to go and pick up their antiviral. The flu friend must show their own ID as well as that of the patient. That ID includes: a utility bill, passport; a credit or debit card; driving licence; or NHS
card.

NHS Primary Care Trusts throughout the region have set up anti-viral collection points, which may be a pharmacy or a community centre.

For more information go to www.nhs.uk

Visit http://www.nhs.uk for more information on swine flu. If you want to check your symtoms, visit https://www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk/