Swine flu advice for carers

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised that the Swine Flu pandemic is now imminent, following official confirmation of human-to-human transmission of the virus in at least two countries. In response, WHO has raised their pandemic alert to level five, just short of a ‘full pandemic outbreak’.

Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, said today that most people affected by the virus would recover and the government had a “clear plan” to help prevent the virus spreading .

In consultation with Department of Health, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has highlighted the impact of a full pandemic on the carers community and the cared for as one of the most vulnerable groups at risk, with the key concern being that support organisations need to plan for emergencies such as the carer being too ill to care. The government is currently working on a briefing for organisations such as carers centres.

The Department of Health has issued some broad guidelines for anyone who may show flu-like symptoms:

Those affected should stay at home and contact health services by phone.

Good hygiene is particularly important. Washing your hands with soap and water is a good way to stop the spread of germs. It is important you cover your nose when sneezing, ideally using a disposable tissue which is immediately binned to avoid any transmission of the virus.

Swine flu symptoms are similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu.

If you think you or a member of your family has the virus, you can check your symptoms and get official advice from the NHS Direct symptom checker, which you can find in our help directory.

The government has issued the following advice for those who think they or a family member might be infected:

1. Stay at home and rest; take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve symptoms (following the instructions with the medicines)

2. Children under 16 must not be given aspirin or ready made flu remedies containing aspirin

3. Drink plenty of fluids

4. Contact your surgery for further advice

5. For advice and information visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk, go to NHSDirect Interactive on digital satellite TV by pressing the interactive button on the remote control, or telephone

NHS Direct on 0845 4647 47

There are Department of Health briefings at www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Flu/index.htm, including the Chief Medical Officer’s guide to pandemic flu.

Published: 30 April 2009