Swine Flu

Gwent Police forms part of the Gwent Local Resilience Forum and the public should be reassured that tried and tested plans are in place for dealing with major incidents such as this. The global situation is being monitored closely, and the Police are liaising with colleagues in government, health and emergency response partners.

The most up to date information on the Outbreak can be found on:

National Flu Information Line - 0800 1 513 513

NHS Direct - 0845 46 47

Welsh Assembly Government website - www.wales.gov.uk

NHS website - www.nhs.uk

Department of Health – www.dh.gov.uk

Leaflets will be delivered to every household from Tuesday 5^th May, advising on basic hygiene and preventing further spread.

It is always good practice to follow respiratory and hand hygiene 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 your children follow this advice

The old adage 'coughs and sneezes spread diseases' still holds firm today. Research has revealed that even in this modern age many people don't understand what a huge difference good hand and respiratory hygiene makes. Using and disposing of tissues correctly and washing hands can help prevent the spread of the common cold and the more serious flu virus.

The Department of Health's 'Catch it, Bin it, Kill it' campaign aims to help reduce the spread of germs leading to colds, flu and other illnesses by raising awareness.

The messages are simple:

Catch it – germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze
Bin it – germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of your tissue as soon as possible
Kill it – hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can

The national campaign offers advice and support for anyone wanting more information. You can download posters to put up around the home or office, watch a film showing just how easily germs can spread and what to do to prevent this or download a Dirtie Bertie story - for children under 11.

For more information please visit www.dh.gov.uk/catchit

Published: 28/04/2009