Swine flu
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs
but human cases can and do happen. The symptoms of swine
flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human
seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of
appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people with swine
flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.
What can I do?
Good respiratory and hand hygiene can help to reduce
transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This
includes:
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing,
using a tissue when possible
- Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and
carefully
- Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands
frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus
from your hands to face or to other people
- Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently
using a normal cleaning product
- Making sure your children follow this advice
Returning travellers
If you have recently visited one of the countries or areas where
human cases of swine flu have been identified, it is
important for you to monitor your health closely for seven days
after your visit to the affected area. For information about the
countries and areas where cases have been identified, please
visit the Related Links section.
If during this period you develop a feverish illness accompanied
by one or more of cough, sore throat, headache and muscle aches,
you should stay at home and contact your GP by
phone or seek advice from NHS Direct (0845 4647). You should make
sure that you tell those from whom you are seeking advice about
your recent travel to an area affected. Depending on your symptoms
you may be advised that further investigations may be
necessary.
In the Related Documents section below there is a link to
the government leaflet about swine flu. The leaflet contains
essential information about swine flu and what to do if
you think you have symptoms. The leaflet also promotes a new
telephone number for people to hear the latest pre-recorded
information about swine flu.
The number is 0800 1513 513 and the pre-recorded content will be
regularly updated.