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NHS Swine Flu Advice
SWINE FLU UPDATE
The number of cases is predicted to increase significantly in the forthcoming weeks and it is likely that many schools will have children and staff who contract the illness.
If you think your child may have swine flu, you should check their symptoms on www.nhs.uk, call NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. If you are still concerned, you should call your GP, who can provide a diagnosis over the phone.
If your child has the signs and symptoms of swine flu – fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, headache and chills and in some cases vomiting and diarrhoea - you should keep your child away from school until they have recovered and are free of symptoms.
If your child is prescribed antiviral medicines for treatment, they should also stay at home until they have finished the course. This is to avoid spreading the infection as much as possible.
Precautions:
• Covering nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing (dispose of tissue after use)
• Handwashing with soap and water – especially after coughing and sneezing
• Cleaning hands with alcohol based hand cleaners
• Avoiding close contact with sick people
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• If sick with influenza, staying home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them