Swine Flu
Updated 26th January 2010
We are now inviting all children aged 6 months to 5 years to attend for a Swine Flu jab. Please contact the surgery to make an appointment. Also anyone in the lists below who has not yet had a swine flu jab is invited to phone for an appointment.
- Pregnant women who are 30 weeks or more into their pregnancy
- Immuno - compromised people and household contacts of immuno – compromised people (those having chemotherapy, or who have had an organ replacement)
- Anyone aged under 65 who also has a serious long term clinical illness (eg diabetes, heart disease etc)
- Anyone aged 65 and over who also has a serious long term clinical illness
If you suffer from any of the following long term conditions you are eligible to have a Swine Flu vaccination :-
- Diabetes
- Chronic Respiratory Disease such as COPD, Asthma requiring inhaled steroids
- Chronic Heart Disease
- Neurological Disease such as Parkinson’s, MS or a stroke
- Immunosuppression such as Cancer treated with chemotherapy or organ transplant
- Chronic Renal Disease such as Nephrotic Syndrome or Renal transplant
- Chronic Liver Disease such as Cirrhosis or chronic Hepatitis
You may download a booklet on Swine Flu for Children
Swine flu clinics
Please phone the surgery for details of swine flu vaccination clinics.
Key messages
If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:
First of all read up on swine flu symptoms
If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms, you may have swine flu:
- unusual tiredness
- headache
- runny nose
- sore throat
- shortness of breath or cough
- loss of appetite
- aching muscles
- diarrhoea or vomiting
If your symptoms fit, stay at home and check your condition at the National Pandemic Flu Service. The National Pandemic Flu Service is a self-care service that will asses your symptoms and, if required, provide an authorisation number which can be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point. For those who do not have internet access, the same service can be accessed by telephone on:
- Telephone: 0800 1 513 100
- Minicom: 0800 1 513 200
For more information on the National Pandemic Flu Service go to Flu Service – Q&A.
- You should call your GP directly only if: - you have a serious underlying illness
- you are pregnant
- you have a sick child under one year old
- your condition suddenly gets much worse
- your condition is still getting worse after seven days (or five days for a child)
Key actions
Swine flu is spreading fast in the UK. Prepare now by:
- Learning to recognise the symptoms of swine flu
- Establishing ‘flu friends’ - friends and relatives who can help if you fall ill
- Keeping paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house
- Having a thermometer available so you can check your temperature if needed
Note: If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours please check on them. They may need your help but be reluctant to ask for it. It is important you do what you can.
Good hygiene
Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu. You should always:
- Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water
- Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
- Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
You may download a booklet on Swine Flu for Patients
