The Public Health Directorate as well as many health care providers have received a number of calls relating to flu. Public Health would like to provide clarification regarding these issues. Swine Flu v Seasonal Flu: Unfortunately much alarm and confusion seems to have resulted from the use of the term ‘Swine Flu’ – this term is no longer appropriate. The appropriate term is seasonal flu. Seasonal flu is caused by three strains of viruses – this season the predominant viruses causing seasonal flu are flu A H1N1 (2009) (former ‘swine flu’ virus) and Flu B virus; there have also been cases of flu A H3N2 virus. Flu B is normally a mild disease but this year the Flu B virus seems to be causing a more severe illness than usual. In the Isle of Man, we don’t routinely test for the type of flu virus causing the disease, as from a practical point of view this is irrelevant. Hospitalised cases are tested, but then there is no reason to believe that the viruses in the Isle of Man are different to that of the UK and Ireland i.e. the predominant viruses are flu A H1N1 and flu B. Vaccination against flu: · Vaccination is recommended for over 65’s and those in ‘at risk groups’. This year pregnant women are included in the at risk group because of H1N1’s ability to cause severe disease in pregnancy. · There is no need to vaccinate healthy children. Vaccination is recommended only for children in ‘at risk groups’. · Availability of vaccine: The flu vaccine is scarce but there is no shortage. The Department of Health is in the process of getting further stocks delivered to the Island. · Antiviral Medication (Tamiflu and Zanamivir): · For those who are prescribed antivirals by their GP, antivirals can be obtained from pharmacies. As not all pharmacies may have stocks of the antivirals, it is advisable to contact the pharmacy by telephone before attending. To be effective, antivirals need to be taken as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms, in any case, within 48 hours. They are not effective if taken after 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Advice to the Public: 1. If you are in the eligible category for flu vaccination and have not received the vaccine, please contact your doctor’s surgery to book an appointment. 2. Practice a high standard of hygiene at all times but particularly during the flu season – cover your cough and wash your hands regularly. “Catch it, bin it, kill it”. 3. If you have developed symptoms of flu (sudden onset of fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints): · Take aspirin/paracetamol/ibuprofen (do not give asprin to children), following the packs instructions · Take rest, drink plenty of fluids · Do not go to work or send your child to school · Ensure that the whole household practices high standards of hygiene – covering your cough and washing your hands regularly · If you feel that you need medical advice, please contact your GP or MED’s by telephone and attend the surgery or MED’s only if advised to do so. Please do not attend A&E at Noble’s or Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at Ramsey District Cottage Hospital. If you develop any other problems which mean you need to attend A&E/MIU when you have the flu, please advise A&E/MIU before you arrive so that the hospital can be fully prepared to deal with you without putting others at risk. - ENDS -