Cases of swine flu are increasing in the UK. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has now raised the alert level to 'Level 6'. This means that a world influenza pandemic has now been declared. A pandemic is declared when there is increased and substantial transmission in the general population.'

Logo: Health Protection Agency. Concerned you may have flu?

For the latest advice and information, phone the flu line: 0800 1 513 513.

If you live in England and feel like you may have swine flu, visit the Government's new flu website: www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1 513 100 (0800 1 513 200 for textphone).

People who have swine flu symptoms will be given a unique access number and told where their nearest antiviral collection point is. They should then ask a flu friend - a friend or relative who doesn't have swine flu - to go and pick up their antivirals. The flu friend must show their own ID as well as that of the patient.

Catch it, bin it, kill it

  • cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
  • dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
  • maintain good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently
  • clean hard surfaces frequently using a normal cleaning product
  • make sure your children follow this advice.

Hot spots in Nottinghamshire

The Department of Health has now declared Nottingham City and some parts of Nottinghamshire to be swine flu 'hot spots.' The areas included are:

  • Broxtowe
  • Gedling
  • Rushcliffe
  • Hucknall
  • Nottingham City

This means that the NHS in these areas will work to treat people with flu symptons, rather than trying to reduce the spread of the virus by giving antiviral medicines to those people who do not have symptoms.

You will find advice and links to NHS websites further down this page.

Patients diagnosed with having swine flu will be asked to nominate a ‘Flu Friend, who can then collect the medicine from a support unit by taking along a form of identification for both themselves and the patient. People who have symptoms are asked not to go to the support units, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

As the symptoms of swine flu are remaining mild in the vast majority of cases, some people may choose to treat it as they would any other flu: with paracetamol and rest.  

Swine flu and schools

As a consequence of the ongoing increase in numbers of people with symptoms of swine flu in our communities, Nottinghamshire’s schools are experiencing an increase of suspected cases of swine flu.

Schools, the County Council and NHS Nottinghamshire County are working with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to ensure that up-to-date advice is given to all schools, parents and carers.

All new cases of suspected swine flu in a school will be discussed individually with the HPA and decisions will be made depending on the circumstances of each case and school. However, it is likely that in most circumstances guidance will be as follows:

  • Schools will remain open.
  • Pupils with suspected or confirmed swine flu will be kept away from school, until they are symptom free.
  • Schools will operate a ‘no risk’ policy. If any students present with an unusually high temperature or with flu like symptoms, parents or carers will be contacted to collect them.
  • Each school with a suspected swine flu case will contact parents and carers, giving them an explanation of the local situation and offering the following advice:
    • If your child develops cold or flu like symptoms in the coming days please keep them off school.  
    • Inform the school why you are keeping your child away from school.
    • Contact your GP – explain the symptoms and state that your child attends a school where there is a suspected case of swine flu.  

Download a leaflet on swine flu and schools [PDF 280KB], which contains advice for parents.

Find out more

Further information is also available at:

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