THE official figure for the number of people with swine flu in the UK has more than doubled in the past week – and currently stands at 6,929.
But it is likely that this statistic significantly underestimates the true scale of the problem.
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of ordinary flu and include fever, chills, cough, headache, sore throat, runny nose, aching muscles and joints. If anyone has flu-like symptoms, they should stay at home and check their symptoms on www. nhs.uk or call 0800 1 513 513.
If they have taken these steps and are still concerned, they should telephone their GP, but people should not go into their GP surgery or accident and emergency department unless advised to do so or if they are seriously ill.
Most cases of swine flu in the UK have so far been mild.
The use of anti-viral medication is designed to slow the spread of the virus by reducing symptoms and preventing further spread of infection.
Anyone who is being investigated as a possible case of swine flu or has been confirmed with the infection will be offered anti-viral medication and asked to stay at home to limit their contact with other people.
A swine flu information leaflet has been sent to all households in the country. It can be downloaded from www.nhs.uk.
