Flu Advice

Thursday 2 July

Swine flu is now considered a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), who declared their alert level 6 on 11 June.  This means that there is sustained human to human transmission in a number of WHO regions.

Phase 6 reflects the global extent of Swine Flu and is put in place when there is a certain level of geographical spread of confirmed cases worldwide, so the status of alert does not reflect the severity of the virus.

In Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland there have not been as many cases as in other areas of the country.  However, it is expected that there will be an increase in the number of cases locally.  Local organisations are working closely together to ensure the appropriate services are available.

To deliver the most effective response, it's important that everyone does their bit and takes responsibility for protecting and preparing themselves and their families.

Remember to wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water, and avoid putting your hands to your mouth. Always use a tissue to catch your cough or sneeze, throw used tissues away immediately, and then wash your hands as soon as possible afterwards to prevent the spread of germs to surfaces you touch.

People should remain vigilant and anyone who believes they have flu like symptoms should stay at home, go online and check their symptoms on the NHS website, or call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. If people have taken all of these steps and are still concerned, they should call NHS Direct or their GP. It is important that patients do not go to their GP practice or to a hospital as this may spread germs to other people and cause delays for patients who require more urgent medical care.

The most up to date information for the public is available on theDirect Gov website and the NHS Choices website

Further scientific information is available on the Health Protection Agency's website.

The leafletwhich wasdelivered to all households is available to download here

Useful Websites and Contacts

NHS Choices for further information on swine flu

Health Protection Agency - Protecting people, preventing harm, preparing for threats

NHS Swine Flu Information

Business information on swine flu can be found on the Business Link website

UK Medicines Information - materials produced by UKMi and other bodies relating to pandemic influenza A, with a focus on swine flu

Useful Links and Documents

Catch it,bin it, kill it video - How one man's failure to use a tissue affects those around him