Key messages
If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:
- Read up on swine flu symptoms
- Check your symptoms with the NHS Direct swine flu symptom checker
- If you are then still concerned, stay at home and call your GP
- If swine flu is confirmed, ask a healthy friend or relative to pick up your antiviral medication from the collection point advised by your GP
Note: If you belong to a high-risk group it is particularily important you start taking antivirals as soon as possible. High-risk groups include people with long-term conditions, those over 65, children under five and pregnant women.
Key reading
Key actions
Swine flu is spreading fast in the UK with several hundred new cases being confirmed daily. Prepare now:
- Establish a network of "flu friends" - friends and relatives - who can help if you fall ill. They could, for example, collect medicines and food for you
- Make sure that you have an adequate amount of paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house in case you become ill
Good hygiene
Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu. You should always:
- Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water
- Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
- Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
- For more on the changes announced by government today go to Swine flu latest news.
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