Swine Flu information – Your questions answered
SWINE flu is now a global pandemic, but that's no reason to panic. There are practical steps you can take to avoid catching the illness.
Use the frequently asked questions menu below to help you understand who is most at risk of catching swine flu, the symptoms of the illness and how to seek treatment.
The National Pandemic Flu Service telephone number is 0800 1 513 100 and the web address: www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk
Click here Health Protection Agency confirmed cases of swine flu.
Have I got swine flu?
The main symptoms are sudden fever, and sudden cough.
But you may also suffer: headache, tiredness, chills, aching muscles, limb or joint pain, diarrhoea or stomach upset, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and loss of appetite.
According to the NHS: "Most people who have contracted swine flu recover within a week and do not suffer complications, even without being given antiviral medication.
"However, experts point out that as this is a new virus, its behaviour cannot be predicted with certainty.
"A doctor faced with a symptomatic patient cannot yet predict with certainty the course of their illness and whether or not they will be in the small proportion who may become more seriously ill."
Use the NHS Direct swine flu symptom checker
Are some groups at higher risk?
Some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu, and will need to start taking antiviral medication as soon as they are confirmed with the illness.
The following people are particularly susceptible:
People with chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease, immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment) and diabetes mellitus; patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years; pregnant women; people aged 65 years and older, and young children under five years old.
I think I have swine flu - what should I do?
Stay at home and contact your GP - they will give you a voucher for anti-viral medication if they confirm you have swine flu over the phone.
Give this number to a healthy friend or relative and ask them to collect antivirals from a designated local collection centre.
Useful numbers
NHS Swine flu information hotline 0800 1 513 513
NHS direct 0845 46 47
What can I do to prepare for swine flu?
Establish a network of "flu friends" friends and relatives - who can help if you fall ill.
They could, for example, collect medicines and food for you
Also make sure that you have an adequate amount of paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house in case you become ill
What can I do to prevent the spread of swine flu?
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
Downloads
If you would like more information about swine flu, download the official NHS leaflets below.
It contains extra advice and background information about how the UK is coping with swine flu.
Swine Flu Information Leaflet (PDF)
Swine flu information leaflet large print (PDF)
Swine flu information leaflet easy read (PDF)
Swine flu information leaflet audio
Swine flu information leaflet other languages
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Weather for Chichester
Tuesday 14 February 2012
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Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
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