Swine Flu – Guidance for people living in East Devon
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).
For more information visit www.nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.
Health protection advice
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.
Schools Information
The following advice leaflets have been produced by the Health Protection Agency on Swine Flu and schools.
- Swine Flu Advice for Special Needs Schools.
- Swine Flu and Schools - Advice for the Public.
- Management of Examinations during the Current H1N1v (Swine) Flu Epidemic.
