Health chiefs in Bury are offering advice to local residents on what to do if they suspect they have swine flu, and offer some simple tips to help prevent infection.

NHS Bury has been preparing for a flu pandemic for some time, and has a robust plan in place in the event of a flu pandemic.

At the moment, the most affected areas are Mexico with 156 reported confirmed human cases of infection, including nine deaths, and the United States with 109 confirmed human cases, including one death.

Other countries have reported relatively lower numbers of confirmed cases, including the UK which is currently reporting eight confirmed cases of swine flu, with no deaths.

The key public health messages are:

To help prevent infection - “CATCH IT, KILL IT, BIN IT”

CATCH IT: Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.

BIN IT: Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of them as soon as possible.

KILL IT: Hands can transfer germs to any surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can.

Anyone who thinks they have been infected with swine flu should stay at home to limit contact with others and ring their GP or NHS Direct (Tel: 0845 46 47).

The symptoms of swine flu include; the sudden onset of fever, cough or shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite. Dr. Derek Fletcher, Clinical Advisor for NHS Bury said: “Although there is concern growing nationally, there is good reason for us to be confident with our local plans and state of readiness.”

“The single most effective thing people can do to protect themselves and others from flu is to follow good hygiene practices. When you cough and sneeze use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose, bin the tissues after use and wash your hands. This will help to slow the spread of the virus.”

“If you have recently travelled to the affected areas and are experiencing influenza-like symptoms, stay at home to limit contact with others and seek medical advice by phoning your GP or NHS Direct. Don’t go into your GP surgery, accident and emergency or Walk-in Centre, as you may spread the virus to others.”

Bury residents will receive an information leaflet from next week, offering important information about swine flu; what it is, how it spreads, how individuals can protect themselves, signs and symptoms and what to do if you think you may have been infected.

A national swine flu information line (automated) has also been set up. The line is regularly updated with the latest information and can be accessed by calling 0800 1 513 513. The latest information can also be found online at the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk

Anyone who has recently travelled to the affected areas and is experiencing influenza-like illness should stay at home to limit contact with others and seek medical advice by phone from a local health professional or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/