The sections below provide health and travel advice and more information on what swine flu is and what the government is doing to help combat it.
Swine Flu Information 0800 513 513
at direct.gov.uk.
National Pandemic Flu Service
The Department of Health announced today that it will soon launch its National Pandemic Flu Service.
This service is made up of a website and call centres which will quickly be able to tell members of the public whether they have swine flu. If they do, they will be given an authorisation number that a ‘flu friend’ – a friend or relative who does not have swine flu – can use to pick up antivirals from local antiviral collection points.
- England - the service should be up and running in England from the end of next week. Until then, if someone thinks they may have swine flu, they should go online and check symptoms on the NHS Choices website, or call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. If they still think they have swine flu, they should then call their GP
- Scotland - people who are worried about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24
- Wales - if symptoms are causing concern, or people are in an at risk group such as those with heart and lung disease, children under 5 or pregnant women, they should phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or phone their GP
It is particularly important for people with chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, under fives, over 65s and pregnant women to use the new service as soon as they have symptoms and to keep in touch with their GP. Parents with children under one year should call their GP if their child has symptoms as soon as possible.
Case numbers
The Health Protection Agency, in its weekly flu update, estimates that there were 55,000 new cases of swine flu last week. The majority of cases continue to be mild but there have been 26 deaths in England and three in Scotland. THe HPA points out that the figure represents the number of deaths in individuals with swine flu; it does not represent the number of deaths that can be attributed to swine flu. The under-5s and 5-14 year olds are the age groups predominantly affected.
The NHS has issued detailed guidance for employers.
Business Link carries information on business risks and continuity planning and on the Business Advisory Network for Flu.
Regional information
For people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, some services and telephone helpline numbers are different from those in England. See the link below.
England information
Some local authorities in England are providing information for local residents. See the link below for information in your area.
Although symptoms of swine flu have generally been mild, a small number of patients will develop more serious illness. Certain groups of people, and people with other health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, are at increased risk.
Find out more about the cause of swine flu and how it differs from ordinary flu.
Swine flu, like seasonal flu, is easily spread by the tiny droplets in a cough or sneeze. By taking a few simple steps you can help to reduce the risk of getting swine flu and to stop the virus spreading.
If you think you may have swine flu, find out what you should do.
The UK has now moved from the containment to the treatment phase of swine flu. This allows resources to be focused on the increasing numbers of people catching swine flu.
Find out what else the government is doing to help combat swine flu and protect everyone living in the UK.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) provides detailed travel advice for specific countries affected by swine flu.
Follow the link below to the FCO website.
With the outbreak of swine flu, or influenza A(H1N1), you may be worried about the safety of your child.
Follow these simple tips to keep your child safe, and find out how you can help your child’s school or childcare provider minimise the risks.
Find out exactly what the World Health Organisation (WHO) phases mean and how this can indicate how far the virus has spread.
WHO alert phase: 6
Flu video
There's a simple way to remember this: CATCH IT. BIN IT. KILL IT.
As well as the standard English version, the Swine Flu Information leaflet is also available in more than 15 other languages.
Large print and spoken versions are available for people who have difficulty reading, as is a Braille copy for the partially sighted. There is also a British Sign Language version for the hearing impaired.
You can also watch the TV advert.
