The Marlborough Medical Practice

© The Marlborough Medical Practice 2003-2010 - last updated  16 February 2010.

Swine Flu (Update 15 February)

(Page down to see information on swine flu vaccination)

With the number of swine flu cases now falling, the National Pandemic Flu Service was closed on 11 February.

If you think you have swine flu symptoms you should stay at home and contact your GP who will be able to assess you and authorise antivirals if you need them.  the symptoms of swine flu are high temperature (over 38 degrees C or 100.4 degrees F) and two of the following symptoms: unusual tiredness, headache, runny nose, spore throat, shortness of breath or cough, loss of appetite, aching muscles, diarrhoea or vomiting.

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting flu and help stop the spread of the virus. 

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a tissue
• Throw the tissue away quickly and carefully
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• Clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product

For up to date information visit www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu or call the Swine Flu Information Line 0800 1 513513.

Swine flu vaccination is still available for: 

(a)   Children aged at least 6 months and born on or after 1 January 2005 (the age range is as advised to the practice by Wiltshire PCT)

(b)  Other patients in an “at risk” group – most such patients will have received a letter from the practice inviting them for vaccination

Any patient who has not received a letter but considers that he or she may be eligible may request vaccination - your eligibility will then be checked by one of the practice’s doctors.

Vaccinations may be booked by contacting Reception. 

Those who are eligible for swine flu vaccination are those with chronic lung/heart/liver/kidney/neurological disease, or those who have diabetes or are immuno-compromised.   Also eligible are patients who are pregnant, the household contacts of those who are immuno-compromised, and all children aged at least 6 months who were born on or after 1 January 2005. 

An information leaflet for the parents of children aged 6 months to 5 years may be found on the Department of Health Website at:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_110066 

Michael Reynolds, Joint Practice Manager
15 February 2009