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Latest information on Swine Flu

11 June 2009: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised the level of the swine flu alert from Phase 5 to Phase 6 – its highest alert level. By raising the alert level to phase 6 the WHO is indicating that "a global pandemic is under way". At this early stage, the pandemic can be characterised globally as being moderate in severity. Chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson has said that this WHO declaration would not significantly change the way the UK was dealing with swine flu at the moment. The advice is to continue as usual, and to remain alert to possible symptoms.

The council is working with other agencies including the County Council and NHS who are monitoring the situation locally very closely. We will keep the website up-to-date with information if the situation changes. There is no need to worry unduly at the moment.

Detailed advice can be found on the following websites:

You can also contact the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513
It is always good practice to follow respiratory and hand hygiene such as:

  • 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 (eg door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
  • Making sure your children follow this advice.

What to do if you have flu like symptoms
NHS Hampshire is reminding everyone of the simple steps they should take if they have flu like symptoms.

Catching Influenza A (H1N1), will feel like seasonal flu, so you need to:

  • Stay at home and rest
  • Take medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen (following the instructions – children under 16 should not be given aspirin or ready made flu remedies)
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Check your symptoms on www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
  • If you have the right symptoms contact your GP or NHS Direct for additional advice, as you may need to be prescribed antivirals
  • Please do not go to your GP practice, A&E, walk-in centres or pharmacies to help reduce the spread of the virus. A&E departments do not hold or prescribe antivirals
  • Please do not dial 999 unless it is an emergency as you may stop an emergency call getting through
  • If you have been prescribed antivirals by your GP, arrange to have a flu-friend collect them for you from the nearest collection point.

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