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Swine 'flu Vaccinations
The vaccination programme for swine flu is now being rolled out and will occur in waves as more vaccines are made available to us. We will write to all those entitled to a free vaccine inviting them for screening. The first group to be invited will be those aged 6 months to 65 years who are already entitled to seasonal 'flu vaccine due to pre-existing illness. This will be followed by pregnant women, immuno compromised patients (and those living in the same household) and then then the over 65's on a "at-risk" register. Please note some patients (the very young, immuno compromised) will require two doses, three weeks apart.
Symptoms
IF YOU HAVE:
Fever [Temperature >38°C] OR history of fever AND EITHER 'flu-like illness (two or more of the following symptoms: cough, sore throat, runny nose, limb/joint pain, headache.
AND:
Onset of symptoms within seven days of visiting Mexico and the United States or you have been in contact with a probable or confirmed case of swine 'flu.
Then you may have swine 'flu and need to contact your GP or NHS Direct. Do Not Attend The Surgery. Whoever you contact will inform the local Health Protection Agency to obtain special swabs to test you for swine 'flu and arrange treatment if necessary.
Treatment
Testing has shown that the human swine influenza H1N1 can be treated with the antivirals oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
Most of the previously reported swine influenza cases recovered fully from the disease without requiring medical attention and without antiviral medicines.
If swine 'flu starts to spread in the UK population, the antiviral Tamiflu (of which the UK has a huge stockpile) will be released for use in vulnerable people.
What measures can I take to protect against infection?
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:
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Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
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Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
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Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
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Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
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Making sure your children follow this advice
People will not get swine flu from eating pork or pork products
Been in contact?
Over seven days ago and are well:
No further action needed, you are very unlikely to develop swine 'flu.
Less than seven days ago and are well:
If you develop flu-like symptoms in the next few days contact the 'flu service as above.
Less than seven days ago and have flu-like symptoms:
Stay at home. Contact your doctor orthe flu service who will give you the latest advice on whether anti-viral drugs are required. Rest, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lessen symptoms.
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