Swine Flu
Symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to those of seasonal flu, usually a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of a cough, sore throat, headache or muscle aches.
If you have flu-like symptoms, stay at home, phone your GP or NHS Direct Wales| and you will be assessed and receive treatment if necessary. Do not go into your GP surgery or Accident and Emergency department unless you are advised to do so or are seriously ill, as you may spread the illness to others.
People should not go to Accident and Emergency Departments or to their GP surgery without ringing first, as this may risk spreading the infection. It also places undue pressure on the emergency services.
The Welsh Assembly Government has now produced a swine flu community update |which helps community groups understand the likely impact of swine flu on individuals and their wider communities. It also provides advice to people on how they can look after themselves during the outbreak.
Further information and updates on Swine Flu are available from the Welsh Assembly Government Website|
The World Health Organisation (WHO)| monitors & issues alerts as part of the Global Influenza Preparedness Plan. For further information on the current WHO Alert Level visit the World Health Organisation| website.
Torfaen County Borough Council
Torfaen County Borough Council's Emergency Management Team are closely monitoring developments and are liaising with health and other emergency response partners both locally and nationally. Contingency arrangements are also in place to deal with any escalation in the situation as well as supporting a Gwent multi-agency group which has developed plans local to our area.
What you can do
Please remember there is no immediate cause for concern,
well established contingency plans in place to deal with the situation and reduce the spread of the virus.
Personal Measures
To reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus you should:
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cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a tissue
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throw the tissue away quickly and carefully
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wash your hands regularly with soap and water
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clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product.
Households across the UK should have received a Swine Flu Information Leaflet|. This leaflet includes information about what swine flu is and how it could spread, what UK governments have done to prepare for a wider outbreak of flu, how you can protect yourself against flu and what to do if you have flu symptoms.
Advice For Business
The Swine Flu Advice for Business| page provides links to the latest information published for businesses/employers.
Information Links
Other Useful Links