Swine Flu

The latest public health advice continues to be to use simple steps to help prevent catching colds and flu viruses based on good respiratory and hand hygiene. Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger and regularly wash your hands.

The number of new cases of swine flu in the UK has risen considerably over the last week and the NHS has seen a surge in calls and consultations.

As this is now becoming a widespread, but thankfully in the vast majority of cases, not a life threatening virus, there is a real chance that more people will become infected.

For people who are normally in good health, symptoms appear to be very similar to normal flu and as such, the usual sickness absence arrangements will apply.

If you are unwell or suspect you may have symptoms of swine flu you should:

Stay at home and check your symptoms.
You should call your GP directly if:
- you have a serious underlying illness
- you are pregnant
- you have a sick child under one year old
- your condition suddenly gets much worse
- your condition is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child)

Closure of National Pandemic Flu Service

As levels of H1N1 (swine) flu cases have now fallen, the National Pandemic Flu Service website and telephone helpline have now closed.

From Thursday 11 February 2010, anybody who thinks they have swine flu should be advised to contact their usual GP.

Antiviral Collection Points will remain open to distribute medication to those given prescription vouchers by their GP.

The only operational Antiviral Collection Point in Walsall is the 100 hour Pharmacy at Asda, George Street, Walsall, WS1 1RS. The operational hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 10pm, Saturday 7am to 10pm hours and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

You can always get the latest information about swine flu in Walsall at www.walsall.nhs.uk/swineflu or by calling 01922 603000.

Useful links

This page was last updated on 09 February 2010