We can all take simple measures to prevent infection, in particular covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing hands regularly.

Testing has shown that the human swine influenza H1N1 can be treated with the antiviral oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). The Government has in place stockpiles of the necessary medicine sufficient to treat people.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is monitoring this situation closely and is working with the UK government to review the current incident and any threat it poses to UK public health.

Anyone who has recently travelled to the affected areas and is experiencing influenza like illness should go home and stay home to limit contact with other people.

Avoid visiting health centres in person to minimise the potential spread of the virus. 

Seek medical advice by telephone from your local General Practitioner or NHS-24 (tel. 08454 24 24 24). In cases outside of Mexico, the symptoms of this illness are mild and all patients have made a full recovery. 

• NHS 24: http://www.nhs24.com/content/default.asp?page=s3_12
• NHS 24 Telephone advice: 08454 24 24 24
• NHS Flu Online Self Assessment: https://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/Sat/Topics/WizardStepOne.aspx
• NHS Further information: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pandemic-flu/
• The UK Health Protection Acgency: http://www.hpa.org.uk/