Pitsmoor surgery essential advice on swine flu

PITSMOOR SURGERY
ESSENTIAL ADVICE ON SWINE FLU
Based upon NHS guidance avai
What are the symptoms of swine flu and long will they last?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the
symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue,
lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu have also
reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
As with any sort of flu illness, the severity and duration of symptoms will
vary, MOST cases reported in the UK to date have been relatively mild,
with those affected starting to recover within a week.
Should I avoid contact with people suspected of having swine flu?
All suspected cases who have swine flu symptoms will have been asked
to stay at home and restrict their contact with people.
The vast majority of people should go about their normal activities, including going to school or work. This includes children who attend a school with a confirmed case of swine flu. There is no need on risk grounds to avoid contact with people who might simply have come into contact with those having the illness, such as the parents of children at schools with a confirmed case but who are not themselves ill. Close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed Swine at
school / work / airport
Close contact with an infected person increases the risk of catching swine flu. Close contact is defined as being – Exposed to a probable or confirmed case within the previous seven
days for longer than an hour, and within a distance of one metre or
less.
Individuals who have been in close contact with someone who is confirmed to have swine flu are currently You do not need to worry unless you have been in close contact with someone who has been specifically confirmed to have swine flu. What can I do?
You can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading swine flu by: • Always covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing • Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully. • Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and warm water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face, or to other people. • Cleaning hard surfaces, such as door handles, frequently using a What should I do if I think I’m infected?
If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned because you think you have been in contact with someone who may have swine flu: • Stay at home • Check your symptoms on the ‘symptom checker’ - • Call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 to hear the
If you are still concerned call NHS Direct on 0845 4647
DO NOT go into your GP surgery, or to a hospital, as you may
spread the disease to others. Ask your friend to go out for you.
Is swine flu treatable?
Swine flu can be treated with antiviral medicines such as Tamiflu or Relenza, these should be given early for and confirmed or suspected cases.

Source: http://www.pitsmoorsurgery.co.uk/swine_flu_pitsmoor_super_essential_advice.pdf