Pandemic Flu Plan
09.07.2009
NHS Gloucestershire is working with Local Resilience Forum partners across the county in coordinating the current response to swine flu. This includes Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Constabulary and the Health Protection Agency.
Plans have been in place for the possibility of pandemic flu for a number of years based on avian flu (H5N1) which was more severe. All plans are being reviewed in light of the current swine flu situation.
Dr Shona Arora, Director of Public Health, said: “NHS services are coping well and it is important to stress that people who have been diagnosed as having swine flu in the county to date have experienced mild symptoms.
“The Pandemic Flu plan was based on national planning assumptions. The figures contained in the plan should not be taken out of context. They do not relate to the current swine flu outbreak they relate to a very different pandemic scenario. There is no current evidence that this scenario will arise, but we do have a responsibility to plan for all eventualities.
“As we get better information we are constantly reviewing our plans to ensure they remain sustainable and fit for purpose.”
The advice for people who have flu-like symptoms remains the same. They should check their symptoms using the online flu checker at www.nhs.uk or by calling the National Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.
If after checking your symptoms you think have swine flu, please stay at home and contact your GP by telephone. 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 advising people to adopt good hygiene practice as normal:
- 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
Stay at home when you are sick – if you have a cough and a fever, it is best to rest at home, take medicines to relieve the symptoms and drink plenty of fluids. This will speed your recovery and help prevent the spread of infection.
