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Home › Topics › Infectious Diseases › Infections A-Z › Swine Influenza [Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza] ›Swine flu: advice for the public
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Swine flu: advice for the public

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The latest advice and information from the HPA:
Frequently asked questions and general information
Pregnancy and swine flu

Swine flu vaccination for pregnant women
Travel advice
Students, parents and school staff, see the Advice about schools page.

 

 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.

What should I do if my child has symptoms of swine flu?

If you think your child may have swine flu, and you have access to the internet, you can check their symptoms on NHS Direct online.

For children aged under one year

If your baby seems unwell and you think swine flu may be the cause you should phone your GP for advice. If your baby has a high temperature at or above 38°C and shows any of the symptoms below you should seek immediate medical advice:

  • Severe breathing problems, grunting or noisy breathing when calm.
  • Unduly sleepy or floppy.
    Severe dehydration, with sunken eyes and wrinkly skin.
  • Has a change in skin colour, becoming pale or blue-ish.
  • Strikingly irritable or agitated or having fits.

For older children

If your child has the signs and symptoms of swine flu, which include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, headache and chills and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhoea, you should keep your child away from school until they have recovered and are free of symptoms. This is to avoid spreading the infection as much as possible.
If you think you may have swine flu, contact NHS Direct online or by phone (0845 46 47) or call your GP.

Certain groups are advised to contact their doctor immediately, including: people with serious underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children under one or children whose condition suddenly gets worse and those whose condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 days for a child).


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