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Barts and The London NHS Trust has had extensive plans in place to respond to a flu pandemic. We are following a nationally approved Health Protection Agency protocol to manage any patients with flu-like symptoms as a precaution and staff in key ward areas are prepared to respond as and when required.
Advice on swine flu to patients and visitors to Barts and The London NHS Trust
Download Swine Flu Patient and Visitor Information Leaflet.
If you have flu-like symptoms, or if you are concerned you have been in contact with someone who has swine flu, please do not visit your family and friends at the hospital. Please stay at home and limit contact with other people.
What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever (above 38°C), lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
What to do if you think you’ve got symptoms of swine flu?
- stay at home and limit contact with others
- check your symptoms on the NHS Direct online sympton checker
- call the national swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513, which provides pre-recorded information and advice about swine flu
- contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
- seek medical advice from local health professionals
- Please follow this advice rather than coming to A&E
What measures can I take to prevent infection?
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:
- 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 (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
- Making sure your children follow this advice.
For further information on swine flu visit these websites:
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