Swine flu

Symptoms

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu infection. Symptoms include:

• fever (high temperature)
• tiredness (fatigue)
• lack of appetite
• coughing
• sore throat
• some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea

If you have flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home to limit your contact with other people and contact your GP or NHS Direct. Do not go to your GP surgery or to hospital as you may spread the flu to others.

Precautions

Everyone can take simple steps to help prevent the spread of colds and flu.

Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze to catch your germs, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible into a bin and washing your hands as soon as you can to kill the germs are all important actions that can help prevent the spread of germs.

If we all follow the simple rule of catch it, bin it, kill it, we can help reduce the spread of colds, flu and other viruses. We all have an important role to play in preventing ourselves, our families and others from spreading germs.

Choose your flu friends

Choose your "flu friends". A flu friend can be a relative, neighbour or friend who will collect medicines, food and other supplies for you if you get swine flu, so that you do not have to leave home.

Preventing people who may be suffering from swine flu from having to go outdoors will help restrict the potential spread of flu to others.