Swine Flu Has Arrived

---

First case confirmed in Hammersmith and Fulham

The first case of swine flu in Hammersmith and Fulham was confirmed on Monday (May 4) by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), NHS London say.

 

It is not yet clear where precisely in the borough the person lives or whether he or she is in hospital or at home but NHS London say the person is an adult who recently returned from Mexico.

Seven other cases were also confirmed in London on Monday, bringing the total to 13 confirmed cases in the capital.

The new cases include five pupils at Alleyn's School in Southwark, who caught the virus by person-to-person contact. Two further cases are siblings of school age who are close contacts of someone who recently returned from the U.S and was already confirmed as having the virus.

The NHS say there are currently 27 people with confirmed swine flu in the UK as a whole. They say all have mild symptoms and are responding to treatment at home. The majority of cases are associated with travel to Mexico.

But the NHS say preparations are being made in case the situation worsens. “The government has a stockpile of antiviral drugs (such as Tamiflu and Relenza) which should be sufficient to treat up to half of the population if they become ill – a reasonable worst-case scenario. The health secretary has said that the drugs have been shown to be effective if given in good time. The government has also announced that additional antiviral medication has been ordered to increase UK supplies to 50m doses, enough to treat 80% of the population,” a statement on the NHS Choices website says.

The HPA has issued the following advice: "Individuals returning from affected areas who become unwell within seven days of their return, or contacts of a confirmed or probable case of swine flu who are exhibiting symptoms should stay at home and contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Individuals will be assessed and, if necessary, testing and treatment will be provided.

General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This includes:

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
• Making sure your children follow this advice"
  

Starting on Tuesday, a leaflet on swine flu will be distributed to every household in the UK.

 

May 4, 2009