Simple rules to combat swine flu

Council leaders were locked in emergency talks this morning as the global threat from swine flu was raised to level five.

Plans have kicked in as the World Health Organisation said there was human–to–human spread of the virus into at least two countries.

The public is being urged to follow the “Catch it, Bin It, Kill it” adverts which advise everyone to cover their noses and mouths with tissues when they cough and sneeze — then throw the tissue away and wash their hands.

The advertisements are appearing today in print and on television and radio to target everyone in the UK.

Alan Higgins, Oldham’s director of public health, says there are detailed plans with any potential pandemic.

He said: “These are simple measures that people can take to protect themselves from the flu, including regular and thorough hand-washing.

“It’s important to wash your hands again after disposing of used tissues.

“Anyone who has recently travelled to the affected areas and is experiencing flu-like illness should stay at home to limit contact with others and seek medical advice by phone from a local health professional or NHS Direct on 0845-4647 or online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

“If you’ve travelled to one of the affected countries and do not have any flu-like symptoms, you do not need to take any further action. NHS Oldham, along with partners including the Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust and Oldham Council, have detailed plans in place for dealing with a potential pandemic which we have been working on together for several years.

“Regular meetings and discussions are now taking place and the public and staff can be confident that we can put these plans into effect.”

Influenza or ‘flu’ is a respiratory illness caused by infection with an influenza virus.

Symptoms frequently include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints.

There is a wide range of severity of illness ranging from minor symptoms through to pneumonia and on rare occasions death.

The Government this morning said it is business as usual, despite three more people in the UK being confirmed with swine flu including a 12-year-old girl, and 76 people being tested.