3.8 (5 votes)5 (1 votes)

Mexican authorities say the number of new human instances of swine flu along with new deaths is slowing down significantly. The Globe Wellness Organization (WHO) says it is too early to make such claims. Even so, the general feeling among health agencies and some media outlets is that the spread really could possibly be losing some of its steam.

The European Union, in addition to some experts in North America, says that a pandemic might be inevitable, but they doubt the number of deaths will be high. Swine flu, or North American H1N1 Flu, is effectively treatable with antivirals obtainable today. Mexico, USA, Canada, Australasia and Western Europe say they have plenty of antiviral stocks to shield their populations.Below is the total number of swine flu instances and deaths around the world so far:Mexico
168 suspected deaths (less than a third of them confirmed so far)
Approximately 2000 to two,500 suspected cases
US
1 death
109 confirmed cases (at the least)
New Zealand
No deaths
4 confirmed instances and 12 probable cases
Canada
No deaths
34 confirmed cases
UK
No deaths
8 confirmed cases
Spain
No deaths
13 confirmed cases
Germany
No deaths
4 confirmed cases
Israel
No deaths
2 confirmed cases
Costa Rica
No deaths
2 confirmed cases
Austria
No deaths
1 confirmed case
The Netherlands (Holland)
No deaths
1 confirmed case
Switzerland
No deaths
1 confirmed CaseConfirmed circumstances of secondary transmission (the infected person caught it from another individual in the same country) have been reported it the USA, Canada, Spain, and Germany.See our Map Of H1N1 OutbreaksSee our Mexico Swine Flu BlogWritten by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

GPs across the UK are getting urged to help improve monitoring of the potential swine flu pandemic by linking their IT system to a national tracking database. QSurveillance, the UK surveillance system set up to alert and to manage a flu pandemic, has appealed to all GPs using the EMIS LV system to activate a module that will feed anonymous patient data by way of to the database.

Currently, 3,500 EMIS practices – covering a population of 23 million patients – contribute automatically-generated, daily information to a secure server.

This enables detailed daily analyses of the number of patients reporting flu-like symptoms, along with the nature of those symptoms, to be provided to the Health Protection Agency along with the Department of Wellness.

The database – operated in partnership with the University of Nottingham – will be the largest, most up-to-date real-time system worldwide.

However, you will find still numerous far more practices which could play a vital role in monitoring the spread of the disease if they opt in towards the programme. Extending the database would significantly improve monitoring at a local level.

Dr David Stables, Medical Director of EMIS and a Director of QSurveillance, said: “QSurveillance has played an important role in previous public wellness crises, but with GPs’ aid we are able to extend the database even further at this crucial time.

“The key benefit will be to improve the high quality of monitoring at a neighborhood level – helping neighborhood services prepare far more effectively for a pandemic, if it comes.

“The process is quick and simple – it requires activating a module within the EMIS system, which can be done in minutes. Data is then collected automatically, with no need to have for the practice to do anything further.

“Practices that wish to opt out at a future date can deactivate the module at any time.”

Julia Hippisley-Cox, Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Nottingham and Director of Q-Surveillance added: “As health organisations around the world seek to understand and combat this virus, access to real-time information is important. Qsurveillance will offer the UK having a daily insight into developments. It is vitally critical that as a lot of GP practices as possible link up to the database, to ensure that a comprehensive picture emerges. ”

Instructions on how you can activate the QSurveillance module inside the EMIS LV system

Source
QSurveillanceSee our Map Of H1N1 OutbreaksSee our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

Emergency care staff are likely to bear the emotional brunt of the effects of a pandemic within the UK, and hospital trusts need to prepare them adequately and take actions to look following them properly at this time, warn researchers in guidance published ahead of print in Emergency Medicine Journal.

Although the guidance was written with a pandemic sparked by bird flu in mind, its recommendations apply equally to the current outbreak of swine flu, which may become a pandemic.

The guidance is according to learning from the expertise of the handling of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Hong Kong, and draws on feedback from emergency and intensive care staff at hospitals in Hong Kong.

It outlines 10 important steps for emergency care departments, such as protecting staff from airborne infection, the provision of suitable training, and ensuring that robust staffing and medical procedures for dealing with infected patients are in place.

But it also emphasises the support staff will need, pointing out that the SARS encounter suggests that: “… living by way of an epidemic or pandemic would be one of the most emotive and challenging experiences of our skilled lives.”

During the SARS epidemic, staff in Hong Kong did not return house for up to three months in a bid to curb the risk of passing on the infection to family and friends. They stayed in hospital or nearby rented accommodation.

The guidance recommends that NHS staff might require to think about comparable options, which includes making alternative arrangements for the care of young children or elderly relatives.

It also urges trusts to think about how they might boost staff morale, which will inevitably suffer as a consequence of long hours in a high risk environment away from families.

Based on feedback from frontline staff, trusts might desire to take into account the availability of healthy food on tap throughout the day, free coffee and snacks, laundry facilities, free phone calls as well as the availability of Skype or Google Talk, the guidance recommends.

The guidance also warns that staff will inevitably have to create difficult choices as demand for care will outstrip capacity, no matter how well prepared a trust is.

“It will not be doable to admit all patients with flu throughout a pandemic outbreak. Difficult decisions will need to be made,” says the guidance, pointing out that some people will die, since there simply won’t be enough critical care or ventilator support obtainable to cope.

“10 things your emergency department ought to consider to prepare for pandemic influenza”
Online First Emerg Med J 2009; doi 10.1136/emj.2008.061499See our Map Of H1N1 OutbreaksSee our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

5 (1 votes)

People who desire to take extra precautions against swine flu ought to lookfor masks with built-in filters, according to Dr Robin J Harman, apharmaceutical and regulatory expert,” There has been considerably debate about thebenefits of wearing a mask to stop infection with swine flu. Ordinarysurgical masks provide some protection from airborne particles, but the UKDepartment of Health has stated that `basic face masks don’t safeguard peoplefrom becoming infected’. Even so, masks with built-in particle filtersthat are CE marked and meet the European Standard class FFP3 have efficiencyof 99% or far more.” A filtering facepiece (FFP3) device can be a mask that providesa high level of filtering capability and face fit, and generates an effectivebarrier to each droplets and fine aerosols.

Swine flu virus is spread when miniscule droplets emitted by coughing andsneezing or deposited on hands and surfaces reach the nose or mouth. If youblock the particles from becoming inhaled, for example, having a mask with abuilt-in particle filter, you can support minimize your risks of becominginfected.

A scientific study has shown that 20-85% of virus particles can penetratetwo ordinary types of surgical mask, and potentially expose the wearer toinfection(two). But masks with FFP3 respirators, like the Covaflu FFP3 facemask, will block a lot more than 99% of airborne virus droplets that are 0.3microns in size – the majority of swine flu-infected droplets will be largerthan this.

UK manufacturer, Clinova, has seen a surge in demand within the past week forCovaflu FFP3 face masks, which meet Globe Wellness Organisation, US Centers forDisease Control, and also the UK Health and Safety Executive standards for use ininfluenza pandemics. “Our Covaflu FFP3 face masks meet the highest criteriafor preventing harmful particles entering the system, which could result ininfection. We have increased production by 10,000% to meet demand and set upa special order form on our site, so that folks who wish to take extrameasures to shield themselves in a pandemic will have access to the bestpossible protective masks,” said Jim Tremouliaris, MRPharmS MPharm,Pharmacist and Chief Operating Officer, Clinova Ltd.

Source
ClinovaSee our Map Of H1N1 OutbreaksSee our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

Luminex Corporation (NASDAQ: LMNX), the worldwide leader in multiplexed solutions, today issued a follow-up statement to an announcement on Monday, April 27, 2009, confirming that the xTAG? Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) assay has been demonstrated to be effective in surveillance of swine flu. Specifically, Luminex has verified by way of testing on confirmed swine flu-positive samples that the xTAG RVP assay will correctly identify these samples as positive for influenza A and negative for common seasonal flu strains of influenza A H1 and H3. This can be the expected outcome for novel influenza A strains which prompts follow-up testing by state or federal public well being labs with assays including the Centers for Illness Control (CDC) swine flu assay.

Over the past several days, scientists at Luminex have reviewed information provided by public wellness laboratories in Canada and the United States, and have internally generated information that indicate that the xTAG RVP assay is successful in swine flu surveillance. As a result of xTAG RVP’s distinctive ability to simultaneously identify the influenza A virus matrix gene and specific common seasonal flu subtypes of that virus, H1 and H3, xTAG RVP could be an powerful tool in a public wellness setting. In this environment, a test with this capability could prove to be crucial for an effective surveillance program.

“xTAG RVP’s ability to figure out if a patient is carrying a normal, seasonal respiratory virus or an unknown H1 flu A virus might be a critical very first line of defense in separating standard respiratory infections from swine flu situations,” said Patrick J. Balthrop, Sr., president and chief executive officer of Luminex. “Luminex is very pleased to have the opportunity to have a positive impact in this surveillance effort. This can be a crucial situation, and we are hopeful that xTAG RVP will be useful in protecting the public well being. Our investment in the research and development of unique, innovative items like xTAG RVP has been a top priority for our organization. We look forward to continuing to work with public well being officials and wellness care specialists, which includes our customers, to deliver quality results and improve the lives of men and women worldwide.”

xTAG RVP was cleared by the FDA in January 2008, and will be the only commercially-available test that can simultaneously detect 12 respiratory viruses and subtypes, which includes Flu A with subtyping, in the DNA/RNA level. Through an outbreak this test can provide the physician with valuable data as most patients will be positive for one of the much more common viruses included within the panel. Within the event that a rare Flu A virus is detected, as included in the xTAG RVP labeling and package insert reviewed and cleared by FDA, samples that test positive for total Flu A but aren’t positive for the included seasonal flu subtypes should be referred to a public wellness lab like CDC for follow up.

Luminex is continuing to work with numerous existing customers, including public health laboratories and officials to gather extra information and samples to further confirm their findings.

xTAG RVP is available in the U.S. via Luminex Molecular Diagnostics, Fisher HealthCare and Abbott Laboratories. It truly is accessible worldwide from Luminex Molecular Diagnostics and Abbott.

For more information on xTAG RVP, please check out www.luminexcorp.com/rvp. See our Map Of H1N1 OutbreaksSee our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

5 (1 votes)

The Council adopted the following conclusions: “With regard to the international outbreak of human situations of influenza A/H1N1 infection, the growing international concern and on the basis of updated details supplied by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Member States, the Commission, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) as well as the Well being Security Committee (HSC), the Council of the European Union takes note of the evolving epidemiological situation, welcomes the powerful European Union (EU) and international response towards the threat of a possible but still uncertain pandemic outbreak and calls for continued co-operation in the EU and international level. In this context, the EU and its Member States ought to continue to act in a strong and decisive manner to face this threat.Consequently, the Council of the European Union:1. RECOGNISES that human outbreaks like the one caused by the influenza virus A/H1N1 are a prospective global threat, in particular as a result of increasingly frequent international travel in a globalised world;

2. RECALLS that the EU has prepared for health emergencies adopting and implementing preparedness and response plans because 2005 and recalls the Council Conclusions of 16 December 20081 which called upon strengthening the coordination and cooperation in the field of well being security, in particular as regards public well being emergencies of international concern within the EU;

3. WELCOMES the rapid action taken by the Member States inside the framework of the WHO’s International Wellness Regulations (IHR) and through coordination inside the HSC, the Early Warning and Response System for Communicable Illnesses as well as the Committee of the Network for the Epidemiological Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases in accordance with Decision No 2119/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 1998 setting up a network for epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable illnesses inside the Community2 in order to shield our citizens;

4. RECOGNISES that effectiveness of national measures will be further enhanced by ongoing co-ordination measures getting taken by the Commission and also the Member States using the assistance of the ECDC, in cooperation with the WHO;

5. RECOGNISES that preparation for and response to wellness risks inside the EU is a Member State competence and that measures can be supported and enhanced by further cooperation and sharing of info by means of the WHO and existing EU structures. It also ACKNOWLEDGES the importance of taking into account the intersectoral dimension;

6. WELCOMES the work already underway inside the WHO, the ECDC and the HSC, in particular, on the guidelines on a common case definition, on a common case management and on data to travellers and WELCOMES the ECDC work on technical guidance regarding the prophylaxis and therapy of infected persons and their contacts along with on the protection of involved health pros taking into account the suggestions of European and international expert work;

7. NOTES that the instances confirmed of A/H1N1 infection are caused by a virus which is actually a combination of elements of animal and human origin, and is related to human transmission. There’s currently no scientific evidence of any link between this illness as well as the consumption of pork meat or products;

8. EXPRESSES its solidarity with the most affected countries and DECLARES its readiness to examine together with the Commission and in cooperation using the authorities of these third countries, the achievable ways and means to supply assistance within the fight against this outbreak.

9. URGES Member States to act together, below guidance of the WHO and in cooperation and in liaison with the Commission on the following lines:a) all essential suitable measures should be taken for public health protection in accordance with WHO recommendations issued on the basis of the IHR, taking into account the ongoing function of the HSC, the advice of the ECDC along with the WHO along with national plans and guidelines; INVITES the Member States to take all proper measures, if needed also as regards travel, to make certain the most efficient protection to citizens, based on consultations at European level, taking into account the evolution of this situation;
b) inside the field of monitoring and surveillance, to continuously share data on the evolution of the A/H1N1 virus within their territory by means of existing European and international structures, in accordance with IHR;
c) inside the field of diagnosis and remedy, to apply the common case definition for identification of the human instances of A/H1N1 influenza new strain developed by the WHO and adopted by the European Commission in accordance with Decision 2119/98/EC, and to elaborate common case management guidelines, as well as to share diagnosis capacity as necessary and to create optimal use of anti-virals;
d) within the field of communication, to work together which includes by way of the HSC in offering accurate, timely and consistent details and guidance to citizens with regard to the A/H1N1 influenza situation. All existing public information channels ought to be used as suitable;
e) within the field of research and development, to closely cooperate together, and using the pharmaceutical industry, in facilitating the development of a pilot vaccine covering the A/H1N1 virus in the shortest possible delay, and, inside the existing structures, in particular the HSC, contemplate probably the most efficient purchase, management and deployment of this vaccine and to continue further function as regards suitable extension of the shelf life of existing stockpiles; 10. CALLS UPON the Commission:a) to continue to facilitate details sharing and cooperation between the Member States, in particular on risk evaluation, risk management and medical countermeasures towards the A/H1N1 virus inside the EU, namely via coordination within the HSC, the Early Warning and Response System for Communicable Diseases as well as the Committee of the Network for the Epidemiological Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases, and with third countries and international organisations, in particular theWHO;
b) promote the funding of measures for cooperation between the Member States on preparing for and responding to a wellness threat below the existing Community programmes and activities.” SourceCouncil of the European UnionSee our Map Of H1N1 OutbreaksSee our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

4.5 (2 votes)

The Arizona Department of Wellness Services (ADHS) and Maricopa County Department of Public Well being (MCDPH) learned today that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 3 additional situations of the Swine Flu in Arizona. Three school aged young children, all residing in Maricopa County, has been identified as having contracted Swine Flu and all are recovering.

In response and in accordance with CDC guidelines, Maricopa County Department of Public Health director, Bob England has decided to dismiss students from Tarwater Elementary and Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School, each in the Chandler Unified School District for 7 calendar days. There is certainly no known relationship between these students.

One of the situations had been residence in the course of the infectious period and could not have infected anybody in his/her school.

“Swine Flu is here in Arizona and we will continue to see cases,” stated Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa Department of Public Well being. “Again, this flu continues to behave like our regular influenza season. The ONLY reason I continue to take such aggressive measures would be to limit its spread and in accordance state and federal guidance.”

State and county officials are asking residents to use common sense when visiting the emergency rooms, urgent cares and community well being centers.

“We are all in this together and our healthcare system wants to be accessible to take care of those who’re most sick in our community no matter whether it be from the flu or from a heart attack,” stated England.

He added, “If you are feeling sick and under regular circumstances, you would not have gone to the emergency room, than you should not go now. We are asking our clinicians here in Maricopa County not to give antivirals to people that that they believe don’t need to have it.

That being said, if you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain or significant symptoms than by all means, got the emergency room.”

The Swine Flu virus is really a new type of virus never seen in people till it was discovered last week. It is a combination of swine, avian, and human influenza and responds properly when treated with anti-virals. The Swine Influenza has the same symptoms as standard or seasonal influenza: sudden onset of high fever, runny nose, body aches and exhaustion. Some people using the Swine Flu have nausea and diarrhea.

“Today’s situations don’t change our public well being message,” said Will Humble, acting director of the Arizona Department of Well being Services. “Cough or sneeze into you sleeve, wash your hands frequently and above all, remain house when you will be sick.”

Source
Laura Oxley – Arizona Department of Health ServicesSee our Map Of H1N1 OutbreaksSee our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

5 (1 votes)

The Association for Pros in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) today encouraged the public to remain calm, listen to public health authorities and follow common sense well being precautions through the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus outbreak.

“This will be the time for heightened awareness about proactive steps we all can take to defend our families,” stated Christine J. Nutty, RN, MSN, CIC, APIC 2009 president. “Public health officials are monitoring the situation and are making recommendations according to the latest data. We urge shoppers to follow the advice of nearby health authorities and observe good well being practices.”

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar towards the symptoms of standard human flu and incorporate fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting related with swine flu. Flu viruses are spread mainly from individual to individual by way of coughing or sneezing of men and women with influenza. Sometimes folks could become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

APIC advises shoppers to get in touch with their healthcare provider if they create flu-like symptoms and to follow their instructions.

“So far, most US cases have been mild, but this could alter and we expect that there will be numerous more circumstances of this illness,” stated Nutty. “The best defense is for buyers to follow basic wellness practices – wash hands frequently, cover your coughs and sneezes along with your sleeve or a tissue and remain property if you’re sick.”

The number one way to stop infection is via frequent handwashing with soap and water for 20-30 seconds. If soap and water are not obtainable, use an antiseptic hand cleaner that contains at the very least 60% alcohol. APIC also urges customers to remind healthcare workers to wash their hands just before and soon after coming in get in touch with with patients.

The Centers for Illness Control and Prevention recommends that customers practice these steps to shield against the flu:Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash following you use it.
Wash your hands usually with soap and water, particularly following you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also successful.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to keep away from close get in touch with with sick folks.
If you get sick, stay residence from work or school and limit get in touch with with other people to preserve from infecting them. Much more details is available at www.apic.org/swinefluSee our Map Of H1N1 OutbreaksSee our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

3.29 (7 votes)4.2 (5 votes)

Article Opinions:1 posts
According to WHO (World Wellness Organization), 615 cases of swine flu infection amongst humans have officially been reported in 15 countries. Total confirmed infections in Mexico now stand at 397, which includes 16 deaths. Most of the Mexican rise of confirmed circumstances comes more as a result of ongoing testing of a backlog of samples.Below are the figures so far (2nd Could 2009): Austria 1 confirmed case, no deathsCanada 34 confirmed cases, no deathsChina, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 1 confirmed case, no deathsDenmark 1 confirmed case, no deathsFrance 1 confirmed case, no deathsGermany 4 confirmed instances, no deathsIsrael two confirmed circumstances, no deathsMexico – 397 confirmed cases, 16 deathsNetherlands 1 confirmed case, no deathsNew Zealand 4 confirmed cases, no deathsRepublic of Korea 1 confirmed case, no deathsSpain 13 confirmed situations, no deathsSwitzerland 1 confirmed instances, no deathsUnited Kingdom 13 confirmed instances, no deathsUSA – 141 confirmed instances,1 deathWHO continues to advise that restrictions of normal travel or the closure of borders is not advised. If you are ill you really should postpone any international travel, and in case you create symptoms when returning from a trip you ought to seek medical attention in line with guidance from national authorities

In the United Kingdom, authorities are asking individuals who develop symptoms right after returning from international trips to call their doctors, rather than physically going in to see them. This can be to prevent prospective infection of other men and women. 1 understands that this means the doctor will come to your house and check you out.Pork meat is safe to eat, says WHOIf you are used to consuming well-cooked pork meats and pork goods, you need to know that there is certainly no added risk to your wellness in case you continue to do so, stresses WHO.See our Map Of H1N1 OutbreaksSee our Mexico Swine Flu BlogWritten by – Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

5 (1 votes)

The UK government has announced that every household within the United Kingdom will receive a leaflet which has essential data on swine flu. So far (2nd Might, 2009) there have been 11 reported circumstances of human swine flu infection in the UK. Below will be the text of the leaflet.WHAT IS THIS LEAFLET FOR? The UK governments have produced this leaflet to give you info about swine flu. It tells you:What swine flu is and how it could spread.
What the UK governments have done to prepare for a wider outbreak of flu.
What you can do to safeguard yourself and other people against flu.
Other actions you can take in case swine flu becomes more widespread.
What to do should you think you have flu symptoms.
How you can maintain up to date with the latest information about swine flu. Please maintain this data secure. You could require to refer back to it if swine flu becomes more widespread. WHAT IS SWINE FLU AND HOW IS IT Different FROM ORDINARY FLU? Swine flu is actually a respiratory disease and has some elements of a virus found in pigs. There is certainly no evidence of this disease circulating in pigs inside the UK and scientists are investigating its origins.

Swine flu has been confirmed in a number of countries and it really is spreading from human to human, which could lead to what is referred to as a pandemic flu outbreak.

Pandemic flu is different from ordinary flu due to the fact it’s a new flu virus that appears in humans and spreads very quickly from person to person worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring instances of swine flu globally to see regardless of whether this virus develops into a pandemic.

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 men and women, young young children and those with existing medical conditions.HOW DOES SWINE FLU SPREAD? Flu viruses are made up of tiny particles that might be spread via 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 are able to live on those surfaces for some time.

Everyday items such as door handles, computer keyboards, mobile and ordinary phones along with the TV remote control are all common surfaces where flu viruses could be found.

If other people touch these surfaces and then touch their faces, the germs can enter their systems and they are able to become infected. That’s how all cold and flu viruses, such as swine flu, are passed on from individual 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 also the UK plan has been identified as one of the best by the Globe Wellness Organization.

While the current situation is severe, there’s good reason for us to be confident that we can deal with it. Thanks to the work of scientists who have studied previous pandemics, we know more now about treatments and how to stop the virus spreading than ever just before.

We have a good stockpile of antiviral drugs (which includes Tamiflu and Relenza) – enough to treat more than 33 million men and women (half the UK population), and we are planning to enhance this.

Antiviral drugs aren’t a remedy, but they aid you to recover if taken inside 48 hours of symptoms creating, by: Relieving some of the symptoms. Reducing the length of time you will be ill by around 1 day. Reducing the prospective for significant complications, including pneumonia. 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 kind of virus. A vaccine can only be developed when the specific strain has been identified, and it would then take several months to produce.

The UK governments have agreements in place with manufacturers so that we are able to get stocks as soon as achievable right after a vaccine has been developed.WHAT CAN I DO TO Safeguard MYSELF AND Others AGAINST FLU? The best thing you can do to shield yourself would be to follow good hygiene practices. These will support to slow the spread of the virus and will be the single most powerful thing you can do to defend yourself and others from infection.

When you cough or sneeze it’s especially essential to follow the rules of good hygiene to avoid the spread of germs: Always carry tissues. Use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze. Bin the tissues after 1 use. Wash your hands with soap and hot water or a sanitiser gel typically. There’s a simple way to remember this: CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL I!.DO I Require A FACE MASK? You could have seen face masks getting given out to the public in other countries on the news. Nonetheless, the offered scientific evidence shows that these basic face masks don’t defend individuals from becoming infected.

The best way to shield 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.

Remember to CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL I! WHAT ELSE CAN I DO? You can find some other useful actions you can take now to prepare in case swine flu becomes much more widespread:Set up a network of ‘flu friends’

Flu friends are neighbours, friends and relatives who can help you should you get ill. For example, they could collect medicines, food as well as other supplies for you, so that you don’t have to leave property in case you are ill.
Keep up to date using the latest details on swine flu and follow public well being advice and instructions

If swine flu spreads, you need to keep informed so that you know what else you can do to defend yourself and your family. As the situation changes, you really should keep up to date by watching TV, listening towards the radio, checking the internet and looking out for announcements within the press. The inside front cover of this leaflet gives details of websites and phone numbers you can use to find out the latest data. WHAT Really should I DO IF I HAVE JUST RETURNED FROM MEXICO OR AN AFFECTED COUNTRY AND I THINK I MIGHT HAVE SWINE FLU? Remain at property. Check your symptoms on www.nhs.uk if doable. Call the Swine Flu Details Line on 0800 1 513 513 to hear the latest guidance. If you have taken these actions and are still concerned, call your GP. Or you can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 in England, NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 in Scotland, NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 in Wales or in Northern Ireland call 0800 0514 142. They will give you advice on your symptoms along with the subsequent steps you should take.

Do not go into your GP surgery or neighborhood accident and emergency department unless you’re advised to do so or you might be seriously ill, simply because you might spread the illness to other people. Ask a flu friend to go out for you. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? 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.

It is critical for us to make sure that you have upto-date guidance. This will contain further info on the best way to access antiviral drugs, should the virus become a lot more widespread in the UK. The Swine Flu Info Line on 0800 1 513 513 will be updated regularly.

Download the Leaflet here (PDF)See our Map Of H1N1 OutbreaksSee our Mexico Swine Flu BlogWritten by – Christian Nordqvist

View drug data on Relenza; Tamiflu capsule.