Posters and flyers aimed at people who have been to swine flu-affected parts of the world are to be plastered around the Isle of Man.

The Department of Health says anybody who develops flu symptoms within seven days of returning from somewhere which has had confirmed cases should contact their GP by phone, stay at home and limit their contact with others.

Relevant symptoms are a fever above 38 degrees, a cough, sore throat and muscle aches.

In accordance with the government's strategic plan, leaflets will be issued to homes in the Island, if the World Health Organisation's alert level rises to five.

It's currently at level four.

The government says on the question of overseas travel it's following the advice of the United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

And more information about the virus is available at gov.im/swineflu - which is a dedicated website.

There is no vaccine for the virus, but the Isle of Man does have stocks of Tamiflu, which can be used to treat confirmed cases.

The importance of general good hygiene is also being stressed to help reduce transmission of the virus, should it reach the Island.

Included are hand washing, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.