Swine flu advice
From this page you can view advice about what you should do if you think you have swine flu. There's also advice about what we can all do to prevent its spread and the preparations you should make just in case you catch it.
You can download this useful guide which contains everything you need to know to keep yourself and others safe.
The symptoms
You may have swine flu if you have a high temperature and feverishness plus two or more of the following symptoms –
aching joints and limbs,
a feeling of tiredness and lethargy,
a cough,
headache,
a runny nose,
a sore throat.
If you think you've got swine flu...
- Stay at home, rest and limit contact with other people.
- Take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetomol to relieve the symptoms, following the instructions on the packet.
Remember that children under 16 years must not be given aspirin or ready-made flu remedies containing aspirin.
If you are confirmed as having swine flu by the NPFS, you should send a flu friend to collect antivirals on your behalf from an
antiviral collection point (ACP).
Do not attend an ACP yourself - you risk spreading the infection and infecting ACP support staff which may threaten the continuity of the service.
Vaccination against swine flu
The Department of Health, following advice from independent experts, has
determined those groups of people who will be first in line for vaccination
against swine flu. The vaccination of these cohorts will reduce the rate or
possibility of serious illness.
The priority groups are:
- People aged between six months and 65 years in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups.
- All pregnant women. The European Medicines Agency has indicated the vaccine can be given to pregnant women regardless of their stage of pregnancy.
- People who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS.
- People aged 65 and over in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups.
- Healthy children aged six months and over to under five years.
If you or somebody you care for falls into one of the above categories, please contact your GP to arrange a free flu jab.
For more information about the vaccine,
download this leaflet.
Why should you have the jab?
Watch this short film to find out more.
Stop the spread
You can help prevent the spread of flu with some simple hygiene measures.
- Always catch sneezes in a tissue.
- Dispose of the tissue quickly and safely.
- Wash your hands frequently.
Be a mate
If someone you know catches swine flu, they’ll need someone to collect medicines while they stay at home. Speak to your family, friends, workmates and neighbours and offer to be a flu friend.