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If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned, stay at home and
contact your GP 
OR
call the NI Swine Flu Information Line - 0800 0514 142
(Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)


What is swine flu and how serious is it?

A new strain of Influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu, was confirmed in the UK in April and has spread to more than 100 countries around the world.

Although symptoms have generally proved mild, a small number of patients will develop more serious illness.  Many of these people have other underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, that put them at increased risk.


How do I know if I have swine flu?

coldFlu symptoms can include:

  • fever
  • cough
  • headache
  • weakness and fatigue
  • aching muscles and joints
  • sore throat
  • runny nose

As with any sort of influenza, how bad and how long the symptoms last will depend on treatment and the patient’s individual circumstances.  Most cases reported in the UK have been relatively mild, with those affected starting to recover within a week.


I think I may have swine flu, what should I do?

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu please do not come to the surgery:

  1. Stay at home
  2. Contact your GP or call the NI Swine Flu Helpline on 0800 0514 142.
  3. If swine flu is diagnosed, your GP may recommend you take a course of antiviral medication. This should be collected for you by a healthy friend or relative from a collection point advised by your GP.  In the meantime, take paracetamol-based cold remedies to reduce fever and other symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.


General prevention measures

General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. 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 your face or to other people
  • Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.


Useful links and resources

N.I. Direct - Swine Flu Q & A

Swine Flu for pregnancy & children - N.I. Direct

Swine Flu for Non-English Speakers

NHS Swine Flu audio guide

Health Protection Agency

BBC Swine Flu Centre

Department of Health

Foreign & Commonwealth Office - Swine Flu and travelling

DirectGov

World Health Organisation