On Thursday 2 July the Government announced a shift in policy for managing the Swine Flu outbreak.

As Swine Flu spreads and more people start to catch it, it makes sense to move from intensive efforts to CONTAIN the virus to focusing efforts on TREATING the increasing number of people who have the disease.

This means that the UK’s Pandemic Flu plans will change from the containment and outbreak management policies to the treatment phase.

What should you do if you think you have Swine Flu?
The most comprehensive information about Swine Flu can be found at: NHS website.
Definition of flu like symptoms
Fever (a temperature of at least 38°C) and either influenza-like illness (two or more of the following symptoms: cough, sore throat, runny nose, limb/joint pain, headache).

Advice
It is extremely important that if you think you have swine flu, you do not go to hospital or to your GP. If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned because you think you have been in contact with someone who may have had Swine Flu:

•  
  • Stay at home.
  • Check your symptoms on the NHS Direct website, if possible.
  • Call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 to hear the latest advice.

If you are still concerned, call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Do not go into your GP surgery, or to a hospital as, if you do have Swine Flu you may spread the virus to others who are already unwell and less able to cope with the new strain of flu.

For more information visit the Swine Flu page (see menu on the left of this page.