29 April 2009

NHSG/50/2009

Swine flu statement - 29 April 2009 15:51

NHS Grampian can confirm that a total of 10 people, resident in Grampian, are currently being tested for swine flu. Their clinical condition is not giving any cause for concern and all 10 are at home.  We continue to monitor their condition closely, and await test results.

We continue to monitor the situation in relation to swine flu very closely and to liaise with colleagues in partner organisations.  Key clinical and managerial staff, led by our Public Health team and senior clinical staff, are meeting regularly each day to check and review planning arrangements and information requirements are the situation develops.  We are continuing to coordinate preparedness across Grampian.  We continue to maintain close contact with the Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland.

Public awareness and the use of good hygiene are greatly appreciated and will contribute to preventing the spread of infection.

The symptoms associated with swine flu are:

• fever
• respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose
• sore throat
• other symptoms such as body aches, chills fatigue, vomiting or diarrhoea

Anyone returning from Mexico and the affected areas of the US (California, Texas, Kansas, New York City, Ohio) who has experienced one or more of these symptoms within 7 days of their return should stay at home and seek medical advice by calling their GP during the day or contacting NHS 24 out of hours (tel 08454 24 24 24).

We can all help to reduce the risk of spreading infections by practising good hygiene including:   

• using a tissue to cover your mouth when coughing and/or sneezing, disposing of the tissue promptly and then washing your hands
• washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing and using tissues
• voiding touching your mouth, eyes and nose unless you have recently cleaned your hands
• using normal household detergent and water to clean surfaces frequently touched by hands
• an alcohol hand rub, which kills the flu virus within 30 seconds could be used as an alternative for cleaning hands which are visibly clean

Further information is available through the Scottish Government website: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health and the Health Protection Scotland website:  www.hps.scot.nhs.uk

Corporate Communications
NHS Grampian
(01224) 554400