Swine Flu

Register with GP in preparation for swine flu

The number of people contacting their GP with swine flu-like symptoms across eastern and coastal Kent last week has increased to 28.3 per 100,000 population compared to 16.5 per 100,000 the week before. In England the rate is 28.5 per 100,000. These rates are below seasonal activity.

The two vaccinations being used in the UK have now been licensed and GPs should start immunising within the next month.

Only people who are registered with a GP will be offered immunisation which will be focused so that protection is offered to those who most need it. People with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, and pregnant women will be among a 14 million-strong nationwide priority group which will get the vaccine first along with health workers.

By being able to start the vaccination programme before a sharp rise in new infections, NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent's Deputy Director of Public Health Andrew Scott-Clark believes many lives could be saved.

The best way people can continue to protect themselves is by following good hygiene - catch coughs or sneezes in a tissue and bin tissues as soon as possible. Simply remember: Catch It, Bin It, Kill It.

Callers to the service will be told where their nearest antiviral collection point is.

People with swine flu symptoms should contact their doctor direct if they:

Download the full press release. (PDF 81KB)

What Is Swine Flu and How Is It Different From Ordinary Flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease and has some elements of a virus found in pigs. There is no evidence of this disease circulating in pigs in the UK and scientists are investigating its origins.

Pandemic flu is different from ordinary flu because it's a new flu virus that appears in humans and spreads very quickly from person to person worldwide.

Because it's a new virus, no one will have immunity to it and everyone could be at risk of catching it. This includes healthy adults as well as older people, young children and those with existing medical conditions.

How Does Swine Flu Spread?

Flu viruses are made up of tiny particles that can be spread through the droplets that come out of your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

When you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth with a tissue, those droplets can spread and others will be at risk of breathing them in.

If you cough or sneeze into your hand, those droplets and the germs in them are then easily spread from your hand to any hard surfaces that you touch, and they can live on those surfaces for some time. Everyday items such as door handles, computer keyboards, mobile and ordinary phones and the TV remote control are all common surfaces where flu viruses can be found.

If other people touch these surfaces and then touch their faces, the germs can enter their systems and they can become infected. That's how all cold and flu viruses, including swine flu, are passed on from person to person.

What Have the UK Governments Been Doing to Prepare?

We have been planning for a flu pandemic for a number of years, and the UK plan has been identified as one of the best by the World Health Organization.

We have a good stockpile of antiviral drugs (including Tamiflu® and Relenza®) - enough to treat more than 33 million people (half the UK population), and we are planning to increase this.

Is There a Vaccination I Can Have?

Not at this stage. This type of flu is not the same as seasonal flu: it involves a completely new type of virus. A vaccine can only be developed when the specific strain has been identified, and it would then take several months to produce.

What Can I Do to Protect Myself and Others Against Flu?

The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to follow good hygiene practices. These will help to slow the spread of the virus and will be the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself and others from infection.

CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT

Do I Need a Face Mask?

You may have seen face masks being given out to the public in other countries on the news. However, the available scientific evidence shows that these basic face masks don't protect people from becoming infected.

The best way to protect yourself and stop the spread of flu viruses is by using and disposing of tissues and washing your hands, as explained on the previous page.

What Else Can I Do?

Set up a network of 'flu friends'.
Flu friends are neighbours, friends and relatives who can help you if you get ill. For example, they could collect medicines, food and other supplies for you, so that you don't have to leave home if you are ill
Keep up to date with the latest information on swine flu and follow public health advice and instructions
If swine flu spreads, you need to keep informed so that you know what else you can do to protect yourself and your family. As the situation changes, you should keep up to date by watching TV, listening to the radio, checking the internet and looking out for announcements in the press

What Should I Do If I Have Just Returned From Mexico Or an Affected Country and I Think I Might Have Swine Flu?

What Are the Symptons?

Some of the symptoms are the sudden onset of fever, cough or shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite.

Useful Contacts

If you are planning to travel abroad, check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice at www.fco.gov.uk/travel or call 0845 850 2829 for the latest information.

Essential information concerning travel, schools and colleges, and the workplace will be published on www.direct.gov.uk.

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