Swine Flu: Latest Advice to the Public
02.07.2009
NHS Gloucestershire has today confirmed further cases of swine flu in the county.
The cases relate to adults, some of whom have returned from university, and two school pupils: one at St Lawrence Church of England Primary School, Lechlade and one at Cheltenham College, Cheltenham.
NHS Gloucestershire is working closely with local GPs, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and Gloucestershire County Council on these cases.
The patients are in isolation and already responding well to treatment (Tamiflu). The schools are remaining open and operating as normal in line with national policy.
As with the vast majority of cases across the country people in Gloucestershire that have been confirmed as positive for swine flu are experiencing mild symptoms.
Dr Shona Arora, Director of Public Health for NHS Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire County Council, said:
“There are almost 7,500 cases of swine flu across the UK. Gloucestershire is not seeing the number of cases that other areas are, but we would expect to see our numbers continue to rise in line with the national trend.
“This does not mean that people in Gloucestershire should be unduly concerned though. Staff across the NHS community, and particularly GPs, are working hard to reduce the spread of swine flu. I would like to thank them for the work they are doing and urge the public to do everything they can to help by following good hygiene and staying at home if they are symptomatic.”
It was announced today by the Secretary of State for Health that the UK response to swine flu would now move into a Treatment Phase.
NHS Gloucestershire is working with NHS South West, the HPA and local partners to ensure it acts on the latest information.
Following the announcement to move to Treatment Phase, NHS Gloucestershire has updated its advice.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms please use the online flu checker at www.nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 to work out if you may have swine flu.
If after checking your symptoms you think have swine flu please stay at home and contact your GP. Your GP will advise you if antivirals are required and where these can be collected from.
People are advised not to seek advice in person to help reduce the spread of the virus. A family member, friend or neighbour (known as a flu friend), who is not displaying flu-like symptoms, is advised to collect antivirals.
Dr Arora is continuing to advise people to adopt good hygiene practice as normal:
Reduce the risk of catching or spreading flu:
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue whenever possible
- Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully – bag and bin them
- Maintain good hygiene – washing hands frequently with soap and water
- Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product
Further information about swine flu can be at www.nhs.uk or in the information leaflet sent out by the Department of Health.
