The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed that there are now several cases of swine flu in the Borough with some of Redbridge’s school pupils affected.In light of this, NHS Redbridge is reinforcing the importance of personal hygiene to restrict the spread of any infection, including disposing of used tissues in a lidded bin, wiping down communally used surfaces such as door handles and table tops and washing hands before eating food and after using the toilet.
It is also asking people to find a ‘flu friend’ who can pick up medication on their behalf should they catch swine flu.
Anyone with swine flu is urged to stay at home until they recover but can give their prescription number to a family member or friend who can then collect it from a designated pharmacy. Children who do fall ill should be kept at home until they have recovered. Parents should keep schools informed of the nature of the child’s illness.
The HPA are communicating with schools that are affected and sending letters to parents of children in those schools. HPA guidance is that schools should not close as the virus is now circulating at a community level and closing specific buildings will not contain its spread.
The NHS already has a good supply of antiviral drugs in the Borough and these are readily available to patients diagnosed with swine flu.
Anyone feeling ill should ring their GP, the national helpline on 0800 1513 513 or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. People should not book an appointment with their GP as effective diagnosis can be made over the phone.
Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and a sore throat. Some people have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.
Tamiflu will not be available to buy over-the-counter and will only issued with a relevant prescription number.
For more information visit http://www.nhs.uk/.
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