Archived press release
Date Published: 13/07/09
As more people start to catch swine flu, the government is focusing efforts on treating the people who have the disease rather than trying to contain it.
It's important that everyone continues to practise good hygiene and remembers to "Catch it, kill it, bin it" (see below) to help slow the spread of the disease.
A number of cases of swine flu have been reported in Buckinghamshire. This indicates that swine flu is now in the local community and is likely to rise over the summer.
We are working with other public agencies across the county to help combat swine flu. Use the information on this page to find out how you can help prevent its spread.
Swine flu - everything you need to know
Visit the Directgov website's swine flu page using the link below for comprehensive information about swine flu from across the government.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu infection. Symptoms include:
• fever (high temperature)
• tiredness (fatigue)
• lack of appetite
• coughing
• sore throat
• some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea
What to do if you have flu-like symptoms
If you have flu-like symptoms, the advice is to:
• Stay at home. Limit your contact with others and phone your GP or NHS Direct on: 0845 46 47
• Do not go to your GP surgery or to hospital as you may spread the flu to others
• Choose your "flu friend". This is a relative or friend in your local community who could pick up a prescription or do your shopping for you if you catch flu
• Become a "flu friend" to a vulnerable person, in your area
More advice about getting the right treatment for swine flu on the Buckinghamshire Primary Care Trust website.
NHS swine flu information leaflets
An NHS leaflet about swine flu was distributed to all UK households in May.
What precautions can I take?
Everyone can take simple steps to help prevent the spread of colds and flu - "Catch it, bin it, kill it".
Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, catching your germs, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible into a bin and washing your hands as soon as you can to kill them, are all important actions that can help prevent the spread of germs.
Research has revealed that people don't understand what a huge difference using and disposing of tissues correctly, and washing hands can make in helping prevent the spread of the common cold and the more serious flu virus. Most adults suffer two to five colds a year and infants and pre-school children have an average of four to eight.
If we all follow the simple rule of catch it, bin it, kill it, we can help reduce the spread of colds, flu and other viruses. We all have an important role to play in preventing ourselves, our families and others from spreading germs.
The messages of catch it, bin it, kill it, are simple:
• Catch it - germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.
• Bin it - germs can live for some time on tissues. Dispose of them as soon as possible.
• Kill it - hands can transfer germs to any surface you touch such as door handles and telephones, so clean your hands as soon as you can.
You can find out more about swine flu from the websites below.