Swine Flu

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs but capable of causing influenza in humans.

Cases of swine influenza are now confirmed in more than 70 countries and the World Health Organisation has confirmed that the disease is a significant pandemic.

The current strain of influenza appears to be similar to avian, swine and human flu viruses. Transmission of this new virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu, i.e. person to person. At present antiviral drugs appear to be effective against the infection and most reported cases of this infection, outside of Mexico, have recovered fully without the need for medical attention.

• Read further information by visiting the National Health Service website.(Opens new window)
  Do your bit follow the National Health Service Message:
  
  CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT.
  The most effective way to stop or slow the spread of diseases is to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze. When you do cough or sneeze it is especially important to follow the rules of good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs:
  
  • Always carry tissues.
  • Use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze.
  • Bin the tissues after one use
  • Wash your hands with soap and hot water use a sanitizer gel often.

Keep up to date on the spread of the illness and if and when it is confirmed that the virus is in the UK and spreading from person to person consider wherever possible avoiding large gatherings.

Advice from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Current information suggests that while the new variant human influenza virus may have originated in pigs, there is currently no evidence that it is circulating in pigs.

Food Safety
The Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said "Swine Influenza cannot be transmitted by eating pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products are perfectly safe. Existing EU rules which prevent imports of all live pigs and pig-meat from Mexico into the EU will continue to be upheld."

• You can find more information through the "Health Protection Agency" (Opens New Window) website where you will find the latest news regarding the incidence of Swine Flu and its Human Variant.

Further Questions
Useful advice is available in the form of questions and answers by visiting:

• Health Protection Agency (Opens new window to external site)
• NHS (OOpens new window to external site)
• DEFRA (Opens new window to external site)
• Bucks County Opens new window to external site)
• Emergency Planning (Opens new window to external site)
• Business Continuity (Opens new window to external site)
• Directgov (Opens new window to external site)