Phone your GP or NHS Direct if you have recently travelled to Mexico or another affected area AND have one of the following:
Fever of 38°C or more
history of fever AND flu-like illness (two or more of the following symptoms: cough, runny nose, limb/joint pain, headache)
other severe/life-threatening illness suggestive of an infectious process
You can check your symptoms using this symptom checker.
Good hygiene is the key. You can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading influenza by:
covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing your 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 (eg kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product You can also prepare now and in the build-up to a possible pandemic by:
Confirming a network of ‘flu friends’ – friends and relatives who could help you if you fall ill. They could collect medicines and other supplies for you so you don’t have to leave home and possibly spread the virus.
Knowing your NHS Number and those of other family members and keeping them in a safe place. You can find your number on your medical card, or other items such as prescribed medication, GP letters or hospital appointment cards/letters
Having a stock of food and other supplies available at home that will last for two weeks, in case you and your family are ill
I have flu-like symptoms - what should I do?
stay at home and rest
take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the symptoms (following the instructions with the medicines). Children under 16 must not be given aspirin or ready-made flu remedies containing aspirin
drink plenty of fluids
Phone your GP or NHS Direct if you have recently travelled to Mexico or another affected area or if you develop complications such as shortness of breath
Before you call, check your symptoms with this symptom checker.
Does the UK government have special drugs available?
The government has a stockpile of antiviral drugs (such as Tamiflu and Relenza) which should be sufficient to treat up to half of the population if they become ill – a reasonable worst case scenario. The health secretary has said that the drugs have been shown to be effective if given in good time.
The government has also announced that additional antiviral medication has been ordered to increase UK supplies to 50m doses, enough to treat 80% of the population.
Do I need a face mask?
The widespread wearing of masks during a pandemic is unlikely to be effective in preventing people from becoming infected with the virus. However, they may have some limited use for those already infected with the virus to prevent them spreading it.
What is the latest advice about travelling abroad?
The Foreign Office has now advised against all but essential travel to Mexico. It also recommended that British nationals living in or visiting Mexico may wish to consider whether they should remain in Mexico at this time.
Travellers visiting affected areas should see a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms. The Mexican Secretariat of Health has advised people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other people and frequent hand washing may also decrease the risk of exposure.
People returning from affected areas who become unwell within seven days of their return should stay at home and contact their GP or NHS Direct. They will be assessed and, if necessary, testing and treatment will be provided.
How dangerous is swine flu?
It is difficult to judge this at the moment. While there have been deaths in Mexico and one in the US, symptoms exhibited by people in other countries have been relatively mild. Also it appears that early doses of antiviral medicines such as Tamiflu are effective in helping people to recover. In the UK we currently have enough antivirals to treat 35 million people if they were to become ill - over half the population. The prime minister announced on Wednesday that the government is increasing this stockpile so that it has enough to treat 50 million people.
Why do people appear to develop less severe swine flu outside of Mexico?
This is not yet understood, and there could be a variety of explanations. It may be that people affected in Mexico may have sought treatment at a much later stage than those in other countries. General living and nutritional standards may also play a role. Other experts have suggested that there may even be a second separate virus circulating in Mexico which is having an impact but this is not known.
Are there travel restrictions in the UK?
No. However, people using public transport are being reminded to observe good hygiene. See Catch it, bin it, kill it.
Are there restrictions on public gatherings in the UK?
No. People are being advised to carry on with their daily lives as normal.
Where can I go for more information?
NHS Choices: swine flu
Health Protection Agency
World Health Organisation
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
