Reassurance following Swine Flu case in county
04.06.2009
NHS Gloucestershire is providing reassurance following a confirmed case of Swine Influenza in a child from the south of the county. The case is linked to an ongoing investigation into an outbreak in a boarding school in Berkshire.
The child is currently being treated with Tamiflu and is recovering well.
NHS Gloucestershire continues to work closely with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and close contacts of this case have been offered Tamiflu as a precautionary measure.
The HPA wrote to all parents of students at the school in Berkshire on 30 May, offering antiviral medicines as a precautionary measure to help limit the spread of the virus among pupils and staff.
Dr Shona Arora, Director of Public Health at NHS Gloucestershire, said:
“The individual has only experienced mild symptoms and is recovering very well – this is consistent with cases in other parts of the country. We would urge people not to be unduly concerned and to follow good hygiene practice.”
NHS Gloucestershire has plans in place to deal with cases of swine flu. If an individual experiences flu-like symptoms and has recently returned from a swine-flu affected country, or been in contact with someone who has they should:
- Stay at home to limit contact with others and contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647 - Please do not go into your GP surgery, or to a hospital, as you may spread germs to others.
The advice to the public remains the same and people are asked to follow 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. If you need medical advice or assistance, phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or your GP surgery. There is also an on-line flu symptom checker on the NHS Direct website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or the NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk
If the situation changes, NHS Gloucestershire will publish information via their website, local media, and by contacting doctors surgeries and other healthcare professionals so that they can advise their patients.
For up to date information from the Department of Health, people can ring the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. This telephone line provides pre-recorded information and advice about Swine Flu. You can read the latest advice on www.nhs.uk and further information can also be found on the HPA website www.hpa.org.uk/swineflu
