Important information about swine flu:

• In most cases in the UK swine flu causes a mild illness
• Flu is common - there are thousands of cases across the world every year. Swine flu is different because it’s caused by a new strain of the flu virus which most people do not have any immunity to
• Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, headache and chills. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea
• To help to limit the spread of swine flu it’s important to make sure that if you have symptoms, you don’t leave the house - instead please contact your GP via telephone - don’t visit your GP surgery or hospital
• If you’re not poorly and do not have any symptoms there’s no reason that you shouldn’t continue to go about your daily routine
• If you want more general information about swine flu you can go to the Health Protection Agency’s website at www.hpa.org.uk

How can I reduce the risk of getting flu?

• Maintain 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 (eg door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
• Making sure that all members of your family follow this advice

How can I prevent others catching flu if I have it? Catch it, Bin it, Kill it!

• If you have flu symptoms, stay at home and keep warm. Take plenty of warm fluids and the usual flu remedies
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
• Dispose if dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• Wash your hands

Swine Flu Vaccination Programme for Children over six months and under five years of age

The national swine flu vaccination programme was extended to children aged between six months and five years old in December 2009.

Extending the vaccination programme to young children is supported by the panel of experts that provide advice on vaccination issues - the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. This is because children under five years of age are more likely than other groups to be hospitalised if they become ill with swine flu.

If you would like your child vaccinated please contact your GP surgery to arrange.

Pandemic Influenza State of Readiness

NHS Rotherham has been and continues to work closely with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, NHS providers and other stakeholders to ensure an effective and coordinated approach is given to the swine flu response across Rotherham. Detailed planning has taken place to manage any rapid and increased need for and use of NHS services.

NHS Rotherham’s Flu Plans are based on national guidance and are constantly updated as new guidance becomes available. Clear command and control structures are in place to manage swine flu. Robust business continuity plans are in place to sustain essential health and care services during a flu outbreak.

NHS Rotherham submitted a report to its Board on 21st September to provide assurance over its preparedness for pandemic influenza. This covers a number of areas including leadership, governance and resilience of the organisation to provide care for patients and the public in the face of a pandemic influenza outbreak.

The Trust Board has assured the readiness by approving this report on 21st September 2009.

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

Anyone who suspects they have swine flu should contact their GP for assessment of their symptoms and the doctor will issue antivirals if needed.

Surveillance of swine flu cases will continue to monitor any significant additional pressures on primary healthcare services.

Information Sources

Travelling abroad

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

Information for businesses

For advice on how to get prepared see the Business Link website.

Information for third sector organisations

Visit: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/