There were an estimated 55,000 new cases of swine flu in the UK last week, and 29 people have died so far. Read the latest official advice to help protect yourself and others.
Key messages
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 your GP
- If swine flu is confirmed, ask a healthy friend or relative to visit your GP to pick up a document entitling you to antiviral medication
- They will then need to pick the medication up at a collection point your GP will advise on (a local pharmacy or similar)
Note: If you belong to a high-risk group it is particularily important you start taking antivirals as soon as possible. High-risk groups include people with long-term conditions, those over 65, children under five and pregnant women.
Key actions
Swine flu is spreading fast in the UK with several hundred new cases being confirmed daily. Prepare now:
- 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
- Make sure that you have an adequate amount of paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house in case you become ill
Key reading
- For the daily updates on the swine flu outbreak go to Swine flu latest news
- For an explanation of swine flu, its symptoms and treatment, go to Swine flu A-Z
- For quick questions and answers go to Swine flu Q&A
- 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
- For more on the changes announced by government today go to Swine flu latest news.
Go to Directgov for essential cross-government information on swine flu, including latest advice on travel, schools and other public services
For information specific to Scotland, go to NHS24
For information specific to Wales, go to NHS Direct Wales
For information specific to Northern Ireland, go to NIDirect
NHS Choices links
Downloads
- Swine flu information leaflet (PDF)
- Swine flu information leaflet: other languages
- Swine flu information leaflet: large print
- Swine flu information leaflet: audio
- Swine flu information leaflet: Easy Read
Other national sites
External links
Tweet this!
I have a relative who got the Swine Flu in Mexico. It is a good thing that he already recovered from this disease.
the H1N1 or Swine Flu Virus is very scary at first but now it is well controlled by vaccines and prevention by avoiding going into places with incidence of swine flu.
H1N1 or Swine Flu is a bit scary but it a good thing to note that this virus is not that very deadly. .