Swine flu: advice for the public
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 have access to the internet you can check their symptoms on www.nhs.uk or call the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) on 0800 1513 513.
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 have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu, you may contact your GP.
- For those with internet access you can check your symptoms by logging on to the following websites www.nhs.uk. or http://www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu. The service uses a simple checklist to diagnose whether someone has swine flu.
- If you don't have access to the internet or are still concerned, call the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) on 0800 1513 513.
- If it is felt that your symptoms are consistent with swine flu then the NPFS may give you access to free antiviral drugs, if necessary. You will be given a voucher number and asked to arrange for a 'flu friend' to pick up your antiviral drugs from a distribution point.
Certain groups are advised to contact their doctor rather than use the National Pandemic Flu Service; these are: 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).
