IF YOU OR ANY MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY SUSPECT THEY HAVE FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS,

Please: Stay at Home

Check your symptoms as soon as possible.

If you have taken these steps and are still concerned:

• Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or call the Practice for advice on steps, so that you can be prescribed antivirals if necessary, ideally within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, and
• Do not to go to A&E unless you are seriously ill.

High Risk Groups.

Part of the guidance regarding the prevention of Swine flu involves those in high risk groups. For people belonging to a high-risk group it is particularly important that they start taking antivirals as soon as possible. High-risk groups include:

• Aged 65 years or older
• Pregnant women
• Children under 5
• Chronic (long standing) heart or lung disease
• Chronic (long standing) kidney or liver disease
• Chronic (long standing) neurological disease
• Weakened immune system including diabetes

Prevention of Swine Flu

There are various measures that people can use to reduce the spread of infection in the first place. General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the pandemic flu. This includes:

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