Swine 'Flu and Pandemic Influenza

The latest swine flu information and links to sources of information.

Swine 'Flu and Pandemic Influenza

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is monitoring the outbreak of the Swine flu situation closely and is working with the UK government to continually review the current status and any risks that it poses to UK public health. Further information is available from the HPA. The World Health Organisation  (WHO) is coordinating the global response to Type A Influenza (H1N1). The WHO page tracks the evolving situation and provides information useful for the general public.

What steps we can take to be reduce our risk:-

Personal hygiene is a key factor in reducing the spread of the infection

• Always follow basic hygiene, for example hand washing frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus.
• By covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• By cleaning hard surfaces frequently, including all door handles using a normal cleaning product,

Being aware and informed about Swine flu and the Symptoms:-

• Being able to recognise the symptoms of swine flu
• Establishing in advance '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.

Checking the Symptoms:-

It is important to stress that people who have been diagnosed as having swine flu in the county to date have experienced mild symptoms.

People can call 0800 1 513 100 or Mini Com 0800 1 513 200or go to www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu to get a diagnosis, instead of calling their GP surgery or NHS Direct. They will be taken through a series of questions which will tell them if they have symptoms of swine flu and whether they need antiviral medication.

More details of the NHS National Pandemic Flu Service.

People are advised not to seek advice in person to help reduce the spread of the virus. This includes attending A&E, Medical centres, Out of Hours Primary Care Centre, or GP surgeries. A family member, friend or neighbour (known as a flu friend), who is not displaying flu-like symptoms, is advised to collect antiviral on your behalf.

Please note Identification will be required from both the 'flu friend' and the person they are collecting on behalf of.

More advice can be found from the Local Health information from Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust

Need a Flu friend?

You should ask a flu friend who is not displaying any flu-like symptoms to collect antiviral medication on your behalf. If you do not have a flu friend please contact the British Red Cross on 0844 412 2840. This service is available 8am until 10pm.

Anti Viral Collection points

Collection points have been set up at various locations across Gloucestershire should you need to collect antiviral medication you will be given the details of your nearest collection point at the same time as you receive your unique reference number

Contingency Planning in Gloucestershire

Contingency plans had been prepared in case of outbreaks of a pandemic disease. A national plan has been developed and in Gloucestershire, a multi-agency group cooperated on these local plans. Plans are continually being updated and refined. Many public and private organisations have developed their own business continuity plans to maintain their own essential services.

The Local Resilience Forum are working together to respond to the situation for Gloucestershire, you can view information at the LRF Pandemic Flu Planning page - see related pages and links below. Gloucestershire local authorities are supporting NHS Gloucestershire with additional staff, Gloucestershire Accredited Volunteer scheme, and other volunteers in co- operation with Voluntary Agencies.

Further Information

Please see the links to partner websites (below) for further information on the latest information regarding Swine flu