The vast majority of cases reported so far in this country have been mild. Only a small number have led to serious illness, and these have frequently been where patients have had underlying health problems. 

Reduce the risk of catching or spreading flu – General guidelines:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Use a clean tissue every time – use only once.
• Dispose of used tissues carefully.

In addition the following is highly recommended:

• Reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
• Cleaning hard surfaces (eg door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
• Making sure your children follow this advice
• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell who have a fever and cough.
• Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating well and keep physically active.

You can also make the following preparations now:

• Confirm 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 do not have to leave home and possibly spread the virus.
• Have a thermometer and enough cold and cough remedies in your medicine cupboard, in case you or your family get swine flu.

Are alcohol handrubs better than soap and water?

Both alcohol handrubs and washing with soap and water are important to minimise the risk of spreading swine flu, as they both deactivate the flu virus. Alcohol handrub can only be used on visibly clean hands. If hands are dirty, soap and water should be used. Handrubs are useful when there is no easy access to a place to wash and dry your hands.

Who should be wearing a facemask?

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) recommends that healthcare workers wear a facemask if they come into close contact with a person who has the Swine Flu symptoms (within one metre), to reduce their risk of catching the virus from patients.

However, the HPA does not recommend that healthy people wear facemasks in their everyday life.

If you have been in contact with someone who you know has swine flu:

If you are feeling well, you should continue your normal activities, including going to work. As long as you do not have flu-like symptoms. It can take up to seven days (normally two to five days) after infection for swine flu symptoms to develop. If you develop symptoms, stay at home and follow the general advice.

What should you do if you think you have swine flu?

• Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowded places.
• Rest and take plenty of fluids.
  
• Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues or a face mask when coughing and sneezing and dispose of the used tissues properly.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Inform others of your illness so that they keep away.
• Before going out the house – contact your GP report your symptoms and follow their advice.
• You should make sure that you tell those from whom you are seeking advice about any recent travel to an area affected.

If there is an ill person at home:

• Try to isolate the person in a separate room, if this is not possible keep a distance of at least one meter from others.
• When caring for the person, cover your mouth and nose.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after every contact you have with this person.
• Keep the environment clean and airy – open windows.
  
  

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