News Update:  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…

Read the latest official advice to help protect yourself and others.

• What is it?
  This is a strain of flu that is carried by pigs. It does not normally affect humans, but this strain has mutated (changed) and has infected humans. There is no evidence that pigs in the UK carry the infection.
• How do I know if I have it?
  It has the same sort of symptoms as any other type of flu – general tiredness, coughing and lack of appetite. Some people have symptoms such as runny nose and a sore throat.
• What do I do if I think I have swine flu?
  If you think that you might have swine flu you should telephone your doctors surgery and tell them how you feel. They will advise you on what you should do next. DO NOT go to the surgery without speaking to them first. People with chronic conditions such as heart disease, the elderly and the very young have a greater risk of having worse symptoms than the general population.  You should seek advice from your doctor if you think you have been exposed to someone with swine flu or if you think you have symptoms.
• How long does it last?
  Most people in the UK have recovered within a week of getting the infection.  However, as with any illness, it will depend on your general health and how soon you get treatment. You should speak to your doctor as soon as you feel unwell or if you think you have been exposed to the infection.
• Is there a treatment for swine flu?
  Tamiflu is being prescribed for people with swine flu or who are suspected to have come into contact with the infection. You cannot buy this over the counter so will need to see your doctor.
• Is there a vaccination against swine flu?
  A vaccine is being developed but is not yet available. Once it is available, if you are at high risk, ie: you have a chronic condition such as a heart condition, then you should contact your doctor’s surgery to arrange to have the vaccination.
• What else can I do?
  If you have a heart condition, you should make sure that you have people that you can telephone if you become unwell and who could help with your shopping and everyday life.

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:

• Read up on swine flu symptoms then use the NHS Direct swine flu symptom checker
• If you are then still concerned, stay at home and call your GP
• If swine flu is confirmed, ask a healthy friend or relative to visit your GP to pick up a document entitling you to antiviral medication
• They will then need to pick the medication up at a collection point your GP will advise on (a local pharmacy or similar)

Note: If you belong to a high-risk group it is particularily important you start taking antivirals as soon as possible. High-risk groups include people with long-term conditions, those over 65, children under five and pregnant women.

Key actions

Swine flu is spreading fast in the UK: prepare now:

• Establish a network of “flu friends” – friends and relatives – who can help if you fall ill. They could, for example, collect medicines and food for you
• Make sure that you have an adequate amount of paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house in case you become ill

Key reading

• For the daily updates on the swine flu outbreak go to Swine flu latest news
• For an explanation of swine flu, its symptoms and treatment, go to Swine flu A-Z
• For quick questions and answers go to Swine flu Q&A

Good hygiene

Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu. You should always:

• Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water
• Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
• Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
• For more on the changes announced by government today go to Swine flu latest news.

Go to Directgov for essential cross-government information on swine flu, including latest advice on travel, schools and other public services