Swine Flu
Friday, October 30, 2009
The current situation
Current levels of flu-like illness are increasing in Wales. The number of people with flu is higher than usual for this time of year.
While in the majority of people swine flu is mild, we must not be complacent, for some this virus can still cause serious illness and sadly some people will die.
The swine flu vaccination has commenced for those in higher risk groups1 and front line health and social care workers in the first instance. People in the priority groups will be invited by their GP to an immunisation clinic or to an appointment at their surgery.
NHS and social care employers will arrange for the vaccination of their staff. The seasonal flu vaccine programme will continue at the same time.
What to do if you think you or someone you provide care for has swine flu.
To reduce the spread of the disease, people with flu-like symptoms should stay at home and check their symptoms on the NHS Direct Wales website at http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/ or by phoning the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.
If the symptoms are worsening or severe, or people are in an at-risk groups such as those with a chronic condition, children under 5 or pregnant women, people should phone their GP as they are a priority for early treatment by antivirals to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
People with flu-like symptoms should not go to their A&E, local GP or pharmacy in case they spread the virus to others. Such visits cause undue pressure and potential delay for other patients who are in need of emergency services.
For general advice call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or visit: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
Swine flu information www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu 0800 1513 513.
- Further information for the public is available on the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513
- Further information on Swine Flu and Pandemic Flu is available bilingually from the National Public Health Service for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government.
- NHS Direct Wales – 0845 46 47 – www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
- For information on Swine Flu in the UK in many languages, large print, audio files, British Sign Language (BSL) and how to order a braille version - http://www.sewrec.org.uk/flu.html
Information for employers and businesses
There is guidance for employers and business available from the Department of Health.
