Swine Influenza Advice for the Public

What are the symptoms of swine influenza?

The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:

DO

STAY at home and contact your GP.

You can call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 to hear a pre-recorded information about Swine Flu or alternatively visit the NHS Choices for information www.nhs.uk.

DON'T

• GO to A&E – Kettering and Northampton General Hospital are not treating Swine Flu patients in A&E and will not administer antiviral drugs (Tamiflu) through A&E. Only patients with very severe illness will be admitted and treated as inpatients. Other Swine Flu patients will be asked to contact their GP – Hence it will be quicker for people to follow the right pathway straightaway. Going to hospital will not be a shortcut to treatment. 

DON'T

• VISIT your GP surgery – you could spread the virus to other people (who are already ill) simply by being in the waiting area 

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