Information for the Public on Swine Flu/Pandemic Flu

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Della Austin
7 years ago
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1 Information for the Public on Swine Flu/Pandemic Flu The World Health Organisation has said that with the presence of Swine Flu in the world there is now a high risk that a flu pandemic will occur and could reach Ireland soon. The Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive have been planning to limit the spread of pandemic flu in this country and is presently putting that plan into action. However we also want to let you know what you can do to help yourself and your family and friends to hopefully reduce the impact and ensure that help is obtained as soon as possible. You have an important role to play in helping to stop the flu spreading. What Is Pandemic Flu? Pandemic Flu is different from the ordinary or seasonal flu that occurs every winter. Spreads rapidly around the world Is highly infectious May affect large numbers of people Is likely to cause more severe illness than ordinary flu Is likely to cause more deaths than ordinary flu May occur in two or more waves several months apart with each wave possibly lasting weeks or months It would appear Swine Flu is going to turn out like this.

2 How will I know if I have Swine Flu/Pandemic Flu? You will have the same symptoms as if you had ordinary flu but they will probably be sudden, and may be severe. They may include: Temperature over 38ºC/100.4ºF and some of the following:- Dry cough Headache Severe weakness and fatigue Aching muscles and joints Sore throat Runny nose Vomiting / diarrhoea These can lead to complications and in more severe cases death. What can I do to help prevent the spread of the disease? If you are ill, or think you might be, stay at home Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with paper tissue if possible the virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes Dispose of dirty tissues quickly and carefully bag and bin them Wash your hands frequently with soap and water Wash hard surfaces such as kitchen worktops, door handles etc., with a normal household cleaner as the virus can live on these surfaces Avoid large crowds of people whenever possible Make sure to tell your children and others to follow this advice

3 What should i do if i, or a member of my family, get flu? The person who is ill should stay at home and discourage any visitors Take medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the symptoms Drink plenty of fluids If you have taken these steps and are still concerned, then you should contact your doctor by phone. If the sick person develops any of the following symptoms: Shortness of breath at rest or while doing very little Painful or difficult breathing Coughing up bloody sputum Drowsiness, disorientation or confusion Fever for 4-5 days and not starting to get better (or getting worse) Starting to feel better then developing high fever and feeling unwell again then you should contact your doctor by phone. DO NOT GO TO YOUR GP OR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT unless you are advised to do so or are seriously ill. In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: Fast breathing or trouble breathing Bluish skin colour Not drinking enough fluids Not waking up or not interacting Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough Fever with a rash. Most people with flu will recover within a few days by following the advice on home care. Some people will need more help and, through your doctor, we will make sure you get that help.

4 A main part of that help will be ANTIVIRAL DRUGS Antiviral drugs are not a cure, but they may help you to recover if taken within 48 hours of symptoms developing, by: Relieving some of the symptoms Reducing the length of time you are ill by around one day Reducing the potential for serious complications, such as pneumonia. This country has a good stockpile of antiviral drugs for patients who need them. High Risk Groups Some people are at higher risk of complications. They may require additional treatment or monitoring and they or their carer should contact their doctor as soon as they develop symptoms of flu. These include children under 3 years, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases or those who are immunocompromised. Please take extra care yourself or give that care to a family member or friend.

5 Caring for someone at home When in direct contact with the person who is ill, the carer should wear a surgical mask. The sick person should stay in one room with the door closed. Other family members should stay away from the sick person and not handle / or share items such as dishes, books, toys or other items that the sick person has used. Discourage visits from people not living in the household, and do not let them enter the house. The sick person should cover his/her mouth when coughing or sneezing and wash his/her hands immediately afterwards. Avoid touching the eyes with hands to prevent self-contamination with flu virus Used tissues should be put by the ill person directly into a rubbish bag which can be sealed in the room and taken directly outside by the carer for collection with regular rubbish. Surfaces and items inside the sick person s room should be cleaned with regular household cleaners. Further Information is available from the HSE Infoline Call from 8am to 8pm Or these websites Health Service Executive HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre Department of Health and Children

READ THIS LEAFLET VERY CAREFULLY, AND KEEP IT IN A SAFE PLACE. FLU IS SPREADING IN IRELAND, AND THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

READ THIS LEAFLET VERY CAREFULLY, AND KEEP IT IN A SAFE PLACE. FLU IS SPREADING IN IRELAND, AND THIS INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. Information and medical advice for the public on Pandemic