The number of cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland is continuing to rise.
If you are concerned about your health or are displaying flu-like symptoms, you can call the Northern Ireland swine flu helpline on 0800 0514 142. It is open from 8am to 8pm daily.
The NI Direct websitehttp://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/health-and-well-being/swine-flu.htm| also contains the latest updates about the outbreak, as well as information about symptoms, travel advice and important contact details.
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety websitehttp://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/| is also updated regularly with advice and information.
The UK swine flu information line is 0800 1513 513. It has the latest updates about swine flu in the UK and is open 24 hours a day.
Hygiene advice
You can help limit the spread of swine flu by maintaining good hygiene. For example:
-
Catch it - always use a tissue when you cough or sneeze
-
Bin it - dispose of used tissues straight away
-
Kill it - wash your hands with soap, hot water or a special gel.
The government has produced a leaflet containing important information about swine flu. You can download the swine flu leaflethttp://www.nidirect.gov.uk/swinefluleaflet_acc.pdf| from the NI Direct website.
Travel advice
If you’ve recently returned from abroad and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home.
Call your doctor or the Northern Ireland swine flu helpline on 0800 0514 142 for further information and advice.
If you’re planning a trip, check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office websitehttp://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu| for the latest travel information.
The Health Protection Agency websitehttp://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&Page&HPAwebAutoListName/Page/1240732817665?p=1240732817665| also contains good advice for travellers, while the UK Border Agency websitehttp://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/swine-flu-advice| has an information leaflet for people entering the UK with flu-like symptoms.
Advice for businesses
The following websites provide useful advice for businesses:
About swine flu
Swine flu is a form of influenza which originated in pigs but can be caught by, and spread amongst, humans.
The virus is spread by person-to-person contact – it is not transmitted by food and you cannot catch the virus from eating pork or pork products.
Symptoms of swine flu include a cough, a sore throat, fever, headaches and chills.
More information about swine flu and its symptoms is available from both the NI Direct website and the World Health Organisation websitehttp://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html|
.JPG)
