Swine Flu Update
Think you may have swine flu?
Think you may have swine flu?
If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:
- Read up on swine flu symptoms then use the NHS Direct swine flu symptom checker
- If you are then still concerned, stay at home and call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 or visit the website www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk
- If it is confirmed that you have swine flu, they will give you a voucher reference entitling you to anti-viral medication
- Give this number to a healthy friend or relative and ask them to pick up the antivirals for you from a designated local collection centre
Contact your doctor directly rather than using the National Pandemic Flu Service 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 (five for a child)
If you do experience symptoms, you can help yourself by staying at home, resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking over the counter flu remedies to relieve symptoms.
Swine flu is spreading in the UK. Prepare now by:
- Establishing 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
- Making sure that you have an adequate amount of paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house in case you become ill
For the daily updates on the swine flu outbreak go to Swine flu latest news on the NHS Choices website. For information in other languages and formats go to Swine flu - other languages
Good hygiene
Preventing 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
Go to Directgov for essential cross-government information on swine flu, including latest advice on travel, schools and other public services