Health Protection Agency
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Visit the Health Protection Agency website for advice they have prepared for the public and for healthcare professionals
NHS Choices
Visit the NHS Choices Website for advice and information regarding Swine Flu
Patient and visitor guides
Advice for people with flu-like symptoms
The advice for anyone with flu-like symptoms is to:
- Stay at home;
- Check their symptoms on NHS Choices if possible;
- Call the recorded Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 to hear the latest advice.
If they have taken these steps and are still concerned, they should call their GP. They will advise and prescribe treatment and care in agreement with the HPA.
Latest advice approved by the Health Protection Agency
- Call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, they will give advice on symptoms and the next steps to take.
- People should not go into their GP surgery or local accident and emergency department unless advised to do so or if they are seriously ill, because they might spread the illness to others. They should ask a friend to go out for them.
- Residents in affected areas are advised that unless they have flu-like symptoms, are being tested for swine flu or have been advised otherwise, there is no need to stop their normal everyday activities, such as going to work or school.
To help prevent the spread of infection you can:
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Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
- Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
- Maintain good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
- Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
- Make sure your children follow this advice.
Do not go to A&E with flu like symptoms unless you are very poorly and need hospital treatment - instead call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
