Many of you will have been following the news about Swine Flu and naturally this is a worrying time for everyone.

Island Pulse News: Pandemic Flu Service Help & Advice  A self-care national pandemic hotline has now opened for people to call if they believe they are showing symptoms of swine flu. The new service will give people with swine flu symptoms fast access to antivirals. For more information on the Hotline click here:

Chief Medical Adviser for the Isle of Wight and Director of Public Health, Dr Jenifer Smith states:

I want to reassure Island residents that we have been preparing for the possibility of a pandemic for a number of years and are among the most prepared countries in the world.  The NHS has developed its planning from a national, local and individual level and our plans are robust and advanced and we are working closely with key organisations and agencies on the Island.   

It is important that everyone does their bit and takes responsibility for protecting themselves and their families so that collectively we can resist and minimise the effects of Swine Flu.

We are monitoring the situation closely and following the advice provided by the Government and the Health Protection Agency. It is now more important than ever that everyone on the Island – residents and visitors – follows the advice on good hygiene and infection control.

There are simple steps that everyone can take to help prevent catching colds and flu based on good respiratory and hand hygiene. Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues which can harbour germs and regularly wash your hands.  

IOW NHS Advice: What To Do If You Have Flu Like Symptoms

If you have flu like symptoms and are concerned, stay at home, if you can go online check your symptoms on the symptom checker on www.nhs.uk or call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.

If you have taken these steps and are still concerned call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 – please don’t go to your GP, stay at home.  More information on Swine Flu can also be found at www.hpa.org.uk.

Or as per latest news: To assist in the crisis, the National Pandemic Flu Service has a dedicated website www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu and phoneline 0800 1 513 100 or 0800 1 513 200 Textphone for people to check their symptoms and get a unique number which will give them access to antivirals if necessary.

Island Pulse related News: Swine Flu Help & Advice &Pandemic Flu Service Help & Advice