Swine Flu
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared phase six of its pandemic alert system on Thursday June 11 2009 which means that swine flu is now spreading in communities in several countries. This decision reflects the geographic spread of the virus and not its severity.
Identify your flu friend
NHS Southwark is calling on local people to identify their flu friend before they catch swine flu. At the same time, they are asking friends and neighbours to keep a look-out for any other local people they may know, especially if they live alone or are particularly vulnerable to swine flu, and offer to be their flu friend.
Further advice on identifying your flu friend
Southwark Council's preparations
In Southwark we have been preparing for the possibility of a pandemic and have appropriate plans in place to ensure we continue to respond well.
Visit Southwark Council's Preparing for a Pandemic webpages.
What you can do to protect yourself and others against flu?
When you cough or sneeze it is especially important to follow the rules of good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs:
- always carry tissues
- use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, bin the tissues after one use
- wash your hands with soap and hot water or a sanitiser gel often
- there's a simple way to remember this: CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT!
Where can I get more advice?
The latest advice and information is available on The National Flu Line 0800 1 513 513.
You can also find more information and advice online at:
For travel concerns visit the Foreign Office website.
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