Swine flu information and advice
Last updated 17-Jul-09 11:13
GOT FLU?
STAY AT HOME
If you experience a sudden fever, cough or shortness of breath or have a headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite you may have swine fu.
For most people this is a mild illness and you should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to your GP or A&E.
Help yourself and others by not spreading the virus. The best thing you can do is stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fuids and take over-the-counter fu remedies to help relieve the symptoms.
It is particularly important that you talk to your doctor if you think you have swine flu and are pregnant, very young, over 65, or have long-term conditions such as asthma or diabetes.
Swine Flu and the NHS
Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust has had extensive plans in place to respond to a flu pandemic. We are following a nationally approved Health Protection Agency protocol to manage any patients with flu-like symptoms as a precaution and staff in key ward areas are prepared to respond as and when required.
What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
What to do if you think you've got symptoms of swine flu?
- stay at home and limit contact with others
- contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
- seek medical advice from local health professionals
What measures can I take to prevent infection?
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:
- 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.
For further information on swine flu visit these websites:
