Just in case anyone is worried, here is the latest from our local fount of wisdom:
29.04.2009
Gloucestershire’s Director of Public Health, Dr Shona Arora has today reinforced important health advice to the public following confirmation of cases of swine flu in the UK.
NHS Gloucestershire is working closely with NHS South West and the Health Protection Agency to ensure it acts on the latest information and with local partner organisations to ensure effective co-ordination. Local people will be kept informed as much as possible.
Dr Arora is advising people to adopt good hygiene practice as normal:
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue whenever possible
- Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully – bag and bin them
- Maintain good hygiene – washing hands frequently with soap and water
- Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product
- Stay at home when you are sick – if you have a cough and a fever, it is best to rest at home, take medicines to relieve the symptoms and drink plenty of fluids. This will speed your recovery and help prevent the spread of infection. If you need medical advice or assistance, phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or your GP surgery.
The advice to people who have recently visited an affected area (e.g. Mexico or the USA) remains the same.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and they have developed within 7 days of visiting an affected area, you should stay at home (to limit contact with others), and seek medical advice by contacting NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or by telephoning your GP surgery. Further advice is available on the NHS Direct website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
As a precautionary measure some people who are symptomatic may be referred for testing for a range of respiratory and other illnesses, in line with UK health guidance.
Director of Public Health, Dr Shona Arora, said:
“Please be assured that NHS Gloucestershire, together with it’s partners, are working hard to build on the plans that have been developed to date and take the necessary actions to best protect our staff, patients and the public.”
“We are encouraging people to download the hygiene poster information form our website at www.nhsglos.nhs.uk and display this material in workplaces, schools, community centres, shops and other places.”
