Swine flu advice and information
The Trust has extensive plans in place to respond to a flu pandemic. We are following a nationally approved Health Protection Agency protocol to manage any patients with flu-like symptoms as a precaution and staff in key ward areas are prepared to respond as and when required.
The Trust's flu director is Fiona Coogan, who is also director of infection prevention and control.
How can I protect myself from infection?
- Wash your hands frequently with hot water and soap
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and bin your tissue quickly and carefully
- Clean hard surfaces frequently to prevent the spread of infection
For more information visit our reducing infections pages
Swine flu vaccination
The swine flu vaccination is now available. For information about the vaccine and how to obtain it, The Department of Health have produced a leaflet.
What should I do if I think I have swine flu?
You should call your GP directly if:
- you have a serious underlying illness
- you are pregnant
- you have a sick child under one year old
- your condition suddenly gets much worse
- your condition is still getting worse after seven days (or five days for a child)
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu.
The typical symptoms are:
- sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or above) and sudden cough.
Other symptoms may include:
- headache
- tiredness
- chills
- aching muscles
- limb or joint pain
- diarrhoea or stomach upset
- sore throat
- runny nose
- sneezing, and
- loss of appetite.
Further information
Health Protection Agency (HPA)
World Health Organisation (WHO)
Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)