Behind the Headlines

There are simples steps everyone can take that can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. These are:

• 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 face or to other people;
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal
cleaning product; and
• Making sure your children follow this advice.

The NHS have provided the following advice about Swine Flu:

Anyone who has been in contact with someone confirmed with Swine Flu is not infectious, unless they themselves have symptoms.

The symptoms of Swine Flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications.

The typical symptoms are:
• sudden fever, and
• sudden cough.

Other symptoms may include:

• headache,
• tiredness,
• chills,
• aching muscles,
• limb or joint pain,
• diarrhoea or stomach upset,
• sore throat,
• runny nose,
• sneezing
• loss of appetite.

If you have symptoms, follow the advice from the NHS:

• Do not visit A & E
• Do not visit your GP
• Do not visit a medical walk-in centre

People who visit any of the above are wasting valuable NHS staff time and are putting other people at risk of contracting Swine Flu.

Instead, people are being advised to:

1. Check their symptoms by:

• Visiting the NHS website
• Calling the national Swine Flu information line 0800 1 513 513
• Or contacting: NHS Direct 0845 4647 or by visiting:

2. Anyone who still thinks they have Swine Flu should call their local GP who will be able to provide a clinical diagnosis over the phone.

People not registered with a GP are being advised to locate their nearest GP by:

• Visiting the NHS website to find the nearest GP by postcode
• Or contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) 0845 602 4384

Additional information from Milton Keynes Hospital:

Visiting is being restricted at Milton Keynes Hospital to help prevent the spread of swine flu.

Each in-patient on most wards or departments at Milton Keynes hospital is now allowed a maximum of two visitors at any one time.   No children are permitted onto the wards, and in the maternity unit only one visitor is permitted for each woman.

Jayne Skippen, from the hospital is urging people to only attend A and E if it's a genuine emergency.  She says visitors should not come to see relatives or friends if they have any symptoms of swine flu.