Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSHPA issues swine flu guidance
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued interim guidance about the swine flu virus in Mexico, identified as the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus.
Testing has shown that the human swine influenza H1N1 can be treated with the antivirals oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
The HPA swine flu guidance for health professionals reminds hospital staff that general infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help reduce transmission of all viruses, including human swine influenza.
This includes coving your nose and mouth when sneezing and using a tissue whenever possible.
Dirty tissues should be disposed of promptly and carefully and good basic hand hygiene, such as washing regularly with soap and water, will relieve the spread of the virus.
Hard surfaces such as door handles should be cleaned regularly and children should follow this advice.
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