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Swine Flu confirmed in Redbridge
There is now a National Pandemic Flu
Service website if you are worried about swine flu or you
can call the service direct on 0800 1 513 100 (telephone) or
0800 1 513 200 (minicom).
Cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the Borough with the
virus now circulating at a community level.
Basic hygiene will help reduce the spread of
infection
NHS Redbridge is asking residents to
follow basic hygiene measures to restrict the
spread of infection including:
- disposing of used tissues in a lidded bin
- wiping down communally used surfaces
- and washing hands before eating food and after using the
toilet
- It is also asking people to find a ‘flu friend’ who can pick up
medication on their behalf should they catch swine flu.
Cases of swine flu are now determined by
clinical diagnosis as opposed to swabbing and laboratory
testing.
Swabbing was originally carried out so health
experts could initially study its make-up and transmission as a new
virus. This is no longer necessary as swine flu is now circulating
amongst the community.
Advice on School Closure
Health Protection Agency guidance is that
schools should not close as closing specific buildings will not
contain its spread. Schools have now broken up for the summer
holidays.
Advice if you are feeling ill
If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned you may 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)
Anyone with swine flu is urged to stay at home
until they recover.
Further Information
For the latest information on swine flu visit
NHS Redbridge or the
NHS website