SWINE FLU
In the first instance, we would advise patients and the public to go online and visit NHS Choices for information and FAQs – www.nhs.uk.

This content is continually refreshed with updates from national organisations including NHS Direct and the HPA and forms the most consistent and up to date knowledge and information on swine flu available online.

There is also an online symptom checker on both www.nhs.uk and the NHS Direct website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk where people, who are concerned that they’ve been affected by swine flu, can work through their symptoms and get information and advice.

2. Also, for those who require further information about swine flu, and in particular those who do not have internet access, should contact the National Swine Flu Information Line – 0800 1 513 513. This telephone line provides pre-recorded information and advice.

3. An alternative for patients and the public is to access NHS Direct’s telephone service on 0845 4647.

Callers will receive a welcome message which advises them what to do if they are calling about Swine Flu.

Calls will be answered by trained health advisors.

Where appropriate, callers will be transferred to nurse advisors who will use a specially developed algorithm to assess their condition and advise the most appropriate course of action.

4. The fourth line of enquiry for patients and the public is to contact their GP over the phone.

Encouraging people to try other sources of advice and information first will hopefully help protect GP’s time so that it can be channelled where it is most needed.




Press releases

We are well prepared says director of public health in Devon ( 30.04.2009)
Public urged to heed the ‘Catch it, bin it, kill it’ health message (28.04.2009)


Information for Care Homes

Pandemic Flu Planning - Advice for Residential Care Homes


Other websites

Further information on Swine 'flu can be found at these sites:

World Health Organisation information
Health Protection Agency updates and information - For patients
Health Protection Agency updates and information - For NHS staff
NHS Choices Alert - Important information about swine flu