Swine Flu
NHS Highland is reassuring people that it is equipped to deal with any cases of A(H1N1), commonly referred to as swine flu, and is working hard to try to minimise the risk of it spreading further within the NHS Highland area.
It is recognised that the recent cluster of cases in the Argyll and Bute area might lead to public concern. Public Health Consultant Dr Ken Oates said: “It’s really important that people know that we are making every effort possible to try to minimise the spread of A(H1N1). We are communicating with the close contacts of any confirmed cases to see if they are showing any symptoms, and recommending appropriate action.
“We have very clear guidance from Health Protection Scotland to ensure that we limit the spread as much as possible.
“We’ve talked extensively about the symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite) but we should also emphasise that people who have any strain of flu can feel miserable, and that is to be expected.
“Normal flu is unpleasant, and swine flu is the same but it can be treated. We have antiviral drugs to help anyone who develops the virus to recover.
“We know that this type of flu is spread by tiny particles that come out of your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Our advice is straightforward; when you cough or sneeze cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards: Catch it, Bin it, Kill it! Regularly clean door handles, hard surfaces, computer keyboards, TV remote controls and so on. Improving your hygiene is the best thing that you can do to protect yourself.
“If you feel unwell and have any of the flu-like symptoms phone your doctor, nhs24 on 08454 24 24 24 or the swine flu helpline on 0800 1 513 513 and they will advise you what to do next.
“The Scottish Government’s message to Catch it, Bin it, Kill it stands true.
“Remember that we are working to help protect you from the virus. You can help protect yourself by improving your own personal hygiene, and the cleanliness of your home and work environment.”
“We are communicating daily with Health Protection Scotland, the Government and other Health Boards to ensure that we have an up to date picture of how this virus is spreading. In conjunction with Health Protection Scotland we are continuing to advise that schools and nurseries should only be closed where this will help to contain spread.
“If you are an employer it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with information about swine flu, and ensure that your staff know what to do to protect themselves. Staff returning from an affected area who feel unwell are asked to liaise directly with their line manager (by phone) before returning to work. Those displaying symptoms should phone their doctor, nhs24 or the swine flu helpline and keep their line manager informed.“
The following websites offer useful advice and guidance:
HYPERLINK "http://www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu" www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu
www.scotland.gov.uk
HYPERLINK "http://www.nhs24.com/" www.nhs24.com
HYPERLINK "http://www.dh.gov.uk/" www.dh.gov.uk
HYPERLINK "http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/" www.hps.scot.nhs.uk
Anyone who believes they have any of the listed flu-like symptoms is advised to call their local GP, the Swine flu helpline 0800 1 513 513, or NHS 24 08454 24 24 24.
