Swine Flu is a new strain of influenza A (H1N1). It is a respiratory disease which affects your breathing and is caused by a virus that usually infects pigs. It is a contagious (close contact) illness and it has been confirmed in a number of countries as it is spreading from human to human.
Travelling:
As you are planning to travel to the UK, please check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice or call 0845 850 2829 for the latest information. The World Health Organization also has information online.
Prevention:
The following recommendations of good hygiene practices can help you to reduce your risk of infection of all viruses, including human swine flu, and help you to stay healthy:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel where soap and water are unavailable
- Always carry tissues
- Cover your nose and mouth with a clean tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of tissue promptly and considerately. There’s a simple way to remember this: CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT.
- Ensure that you wash your hands after coughing or sneezing
- Make sure your friends and family follow this advice.
- Avoiding sharing phones.
- Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Doctor Registration:
It is very important that you register with a doctor when you arrive in the UK. Please ask your university for doctor information or visit NHS website to find a doctor within walking distance to your home.
Visit www.nhsscotland.co.uk and enter your home post code (i.e. G4 0BA) and select GP to find your nearest service.