Swine Flu Advice

Tue, 21 Jul 2009
Swine flu advice for high-risk groups has been confirmed by the Government today prior to the launch of a new pandemic service. The virus is said to be spreading to thousands of Britons.

Pregnant women, under fives, children, the over 65s, diabetics, those with long term conditions have been identified as high risk groups. The total number of deaths related to swine flu is now 29 in the UK.

There is some controversy as to whether we should take Tamiflu or not. As the effects of Tamiflu are not known, it is best to avoid it.

Swine flu has been mild in terms of its effects on most people.

Women are not being advised to plan their pregnancy carefully. Mums-to-be are more vulnerable to any type of flu. It is important that someone with a pre-exisiting condition seeks his or her GP's help.

Medical advice is that those at high risk need to wash their hands regularly and throw away their tissues appropriately.

Those at high risk are also advised to avoid crowded places.

The Department of Health has advised those with the virus to delay journeys until symptoms have dissapeared.

Visitors fo certain countries are going to face strict screening procedures as the illness spreads as has been the case in China, where 53 British school children have been put into quarantine in a Beijing hotel upon four of them having been diagnosed with swine flu .

The Department of health are advising people to take medication like paracetamol and avoid public places should they fall ill.

People who are travelling to Europe need to take a European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ).

Should they get swine flu, symptoms being a high temperature as well as two or more of the following: headache, runny nose, sore throat and aching muscles whilst abroad, they ought not to travel home until fully recovered.

An Abta spokesperson confirmed that the cost of cancellation of a holiday as a result of swine flu ought to be covered by travel insurance .

It is also vital to keep an eye on your childrens health .

You can also phone the national pandemic flu service hotline for advice from the end of this week.

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