Important Swine Flu Information
Published:Wednesday 5 August 2009 Important changes have been announced to the way in which the NHS is managing the growing swine flu pandemic in England. Rutland County Council is working closely with health partners across the region to make sure you have the latest information available to you. Read the latest official advice to help protect yourself, your family and others. If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu: Stay at home and check your symptoms at the National Pandemic Flu Service Or call 0800 15 13 100 Do not go to your GP, a pharmacist or hospital. You risk spreading the disease. 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. For those who do not have internet access, the same service can be accessed by telephone on: Telephone: 0800 15 13 100 Minicom: 0800 15 13 200 For more information on the National Pandemic Flu Service go to Flu Service Q&A Key actionsSwine flu is spreading fast in the UK. Prepare now by: Learning to recognise the symptoms of swine flu Establishing flu friends - friends and relatives who can help if you fall ill Keeping paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house Having a thermometer available so you can check your temperature if needed Note: If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours please check on them. They may need your help but be reluctant to ask for it. It is important you do what you can. Key reading For daily updates on the swine flu outbreak go to Swine flu latest news For an explanation of swine flu, its symptoms and treatment, go to Swine flu A-Z For quick questions and answers go to Swine flu Q&A For information on pregnancy go to Swine flu - pregnant women For information on other high-risk groups go to Swine flu - high-risk groups For information in other languages and formats, including British Sign Language video, go to Swine flu - other languages. Note: To order a Braille copy of the swine flu information leaflet, call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513 Good hygienePreventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu. You should always: Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible Further informationGo to Directgov for essential cross-government information on swine flu, including latest advice on travel, schools and other public services Go to Business Link for essential information to help businesses deal with the effects of swine flu | ||
| Author: Rutland County Council enquiries@rutland.gov.uk 01572 722 577 | Display start: Wednesday 5 August 2009 | |
Files:
Swine Flu - Advice Flow Chart (PDF, 26 KB)
Swine Flu Questions and Answers (PDF, 29 KB)
How to treat flu symptons at home (PDF, 56 KB)