Updated Advice on Pandemic Flu The Acting Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr. Elizabeth Mitchell , has advised that those people who experience flu-like symptoms should stay at home, check the information about symptoms and follow the advice set out at : www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/health-and-well-being/pandemic-flu/health-wellbeing-pandemic-flu-and-you.htm . This advice emphasises that most previously healthy people with pandemic flu will recover with rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking medication such as paracetamol for pain relief and to control fever. The advice to this group is that if their condition suddenly deteriorates or their condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 for a child) they should phone their GP. People who are at higher risk of serious illness or death should they develop influenza should be given antiviral medication as soon as possible, preferably within 48 hours of the start of their flu-like symptoms and are therefore advised to phone their GP for advice and assessment for antivirals. Good hygiene Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as pandemic flu. You should always: • Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water • Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs • Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze • Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible Further information You can find out more about Pandemic Flu by using the links on the right, or call one of the telephone helplines: NI Pandemic Flu Helpline 0800 0514 142 UK Pandemic Flu Information Line 0800 1 513 513
	Advice and Guidance
	Information about Vaccination Question and Answer Weekly flu update from dhsspsni Travel Advice from NIDirect Information for parents and pregnant women
	Downloads
	Information leaflet Information leaflet in other languages Information leaflet in large print Information leaflet: audio Information leaflet: Easy Read
	Telephone Helplines
	NI Pandemic Flu Helpline 0800 0514 142 UK Pandemic Flu Information Line 0800 1 513 513
	Useful Websites
	DHSSPSNI NIDirect Health Protection Agency World Health Organization NHS Choices