Royal Pharmaceutical Society Responds To Concerns Over Human Swine Flu, UK

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 29 Apr 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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The Royal Pharmaceutical Society responded to concerns about the human swine flu virus H1N1 and stressed the vital role pharmacists play in public health.

The Society's Director of Policy and Communications David Pruce said:

"At present, we are keeping a watching brief on the situation. Should the need arise, pharmacists will receive further information and guidance as part of the Department of Health's strategy to deal with an influenza pandemic.

"Community pharmacists have always played a key role in public health. As trusted health professionals, they are ideally placed to provide straightforward, high quality information and advice to worried patients.

"Testing has shown that the virus can be treated with antivirals, and pharmacists should reiterate that it is good practice to follow respiratory and hand hygiene advice such as:

- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
- Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
- Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
- Cleaning hard surfaces (eg. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
- Making sure children follow this advice.

"Individuals returning from affected areas who become unwell within seven days of their return should stay at home and contact their GP or NHS Direct for further advice."

The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea. For more detail, please contact the Health Protection Agency http://www.hpa.org.uk

Source
Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Further information on Swine Flu

• See a Map Of H1N1 Outbreaks
• See our Mexico Swine Flu Blog

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