BEDOC - Bedford On Call

Management of flu

National flu helpline   :         &nbs p;   0800 1 513 100   ring this number first  for treatment

 NHS Direct    :                           0845 46 47  for medical advice on flu

National  flu information line  :  0800 1 513 513  for general advice on flu  

Swine  flu is now circulating locally.  Advice remains that individuals who become unwell with possible swine flu should stay at home and contact the National Flu Helpline or NHS Direct.  Babies  under one ,  pregnant women and patients with chronic disease such as diabetes , asthma ,  liver or kidney disease and immunosuppression  may  need  assessment by  a doctor so should ring NHS Direct  0845 4647  or their  own doctor's surgery.

Swine Flu symptoms :  high fever > 38 deg , sore throat, cough, runny nose, achey limbs / joints,  headache, abdomional pain / diarrhoea

 Personal and respiratory hygiene

General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This includes:  

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.   
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully. 
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product. 
• Making sure your children follow this advice.  

If someone catches flu, they should:

• Stay at home and rest. Do not go to the doctors surgery as you willl spread it to others
• Contact  NHS Direct for medical advice on 0845 46 47   
•           ;  or the National flu helpline 0800 1 513 100   to obtain treatment
•              or the National   flu Information line 0800 1 513 513
• Take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetemol to relieve the symptoms (following the instructions with the medicines).
• Children under 16 must not be given aspirin or ready made flu remedies containing aspirin
• Drink plenty of fluids.

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