PANDEMIC ALERT - VSG GUIDANCE AND ADVICE

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3rd July 2009

The Swine Flu virus has now been upgraded from the containment to the treatment phase. As more people catch the virus in their communities rather than from abroad, it has become less effective to try and contain Swine Flu.
To allow health services to spend more time and energy treating the increasing numbers who have the virus, the government has decided to move from containment and outbreak management policies to the treatment phase. The move from containment to treatment will apply in all four nations of the UK- England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This means that:
• GPs will be able to diagnose swine flu on the basis of symptoms rather than waiting for laboratory testing
• All tracing of people who have been in contact with a sufferer will stop
• People who may have been exposed to the virus will not be given anti-viral drugs
• Anyone who is diagnosed with swine flu will continue to be offered anti-virals until further notice

To reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus you should:
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a tissue
• Throw the tissue away quickly and carefully
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• Clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product

Although symptoms of swine flu have generally been mild, a small number of patients will develop more serious illness. Certain groups of people, and people with other health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, are at increased risk.

If you suspect you may have swine flu, you can call the NHS Direct line, or visit the web site by clicking here which has a Q & A section to help you identity the symptoms.

Links and Numbers
Department of Health - www.dh.gov.uk
World Health Organisation - www.who.int
National Health Service - www.nhs.uk

Pandemic Flu Infoline
0800 1513 513 - www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk

Further documents available here include:

Pandemic Flu Frequently Asked Questions	Pandemic Flu Virus Hygeine Guidance	Swine Flu NHS Advice	VSG BCP Pandemic Flu Policy
Swine Flu Risk Assessment	Hear4u Winter Holidays