How do you catch swine flu? Swine flu advice for parents
With the swine flu pandemic continuing to affect increasing numbers
of people across much of the UK, we have pulled together helpful advice
and links to further sources of information for parents and families on
what to look for and what to do if you suspect that you or your kids
may have swine flu.
As the swine flu pandemic runs it course,
advice from the government and medical authorities is under continuous
review. As a result, we will be updating this page on a regular basis
to reflect the latest advice and recommendations.
Last update : Wednesday 22nd July 2009
How do you catch swine flu?
Swine
Flu is contagious (ie it can be passed on from person to person) and can
be transmitted through a number of means, including
- coughing
- sneezing
- contact with surfaces infected by another person with swine flu
- close and/or prolonged contact with a person who already has swine flu
People are most infectious soon after they develop symptoms, but they cease to be a risk once those symptoms have disappeared. The incubation period may be as little as two days
Naturally, if you see anyone near you sneezing or coughing, this does not mean that they have swine flu or that you will automatically catch swine flu.
We are also in peak season for summer hayfever and there are plenty of
other bugs around causing coughs, colds and sore throats!
Remember that the vast majority of the population does not have swine flu and the chances of you or your family catching it is very low. In the unlikely event that you do catch swine flu, do not panic. For most people, the symptoms are very mild and you are likely to make a full recovery within a week or two.
There are of course a number of precautions that you can take to reduce the likelihood of catching swine flu - see link below.
Going to "swine flu parties" to try to expose yourself to the
virus and make sure you build up immunity before the winter flu season
is being strongly discouraged
If you think that you may have caught swine flu, please follow the link below for advice on what to do next.
Further useful information and advice on swine flu:
Swine Flu - Background
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
What precautions can I take to avoid catching swine flu?
What to do if I think I have swine flu or if one of my family may have it?
Advice about Swine Flu for pregnant women
Swine Flu - Advice for businesses and employers (link coming shortly)
Useful sources of further information on swine flu
Swine flu Q&A from the BBC news website
Swine flu advice from the NHS