Swine Flu

What NHS Oxfordshire is doing

Health organisations in Oxfordshire have plans in place to deal with a pandemic, should it arise. We would like to reassure the public that the PCT continues to work in its preparedness phase of its flu pandemic plan, which covers our readiness to respond in an event of a flu pandemic. The plan considers local co-ordination, surveillance, and communications during a pandemic; how to limit spread; the response required from primary care, including our GPs, community staff, and community hospitals; our out-of-hours services and links with other NHS trusts and partner organisations. The plan is also supported by service operational plans.

Contacts

For more infomation click here

For further information and advice on swine flu, contact:

  • NHS Choices website
    Read the latest official advice and find out about the simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and others.

    You can access the following useful information:
    - flu symptom checker
    - swine flu Q & A
    - flu virus latest
    - information about swine flu

  • Flu Hotline - 0800 1513513 - this is a pre-recorded information and advice line

  • NHS Direct - 0845 4647
  • Health Protection Agency website

What to do - 'Catch it, Bin it, Kill it'

Everyone can take simple steps to help prevent the spread of colds and flu - 'Catch it, Bin it, Kill it'.

Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, CATCHING your germs disposing of the tissue as soon as possible into a BIN and washing your hands as soon as you can to KILL THEM are all important actions that can help prevent the spread of germs.

Research has revealed that people don’t understand what a huge difference using and disposing of tissues correctly and washing hands can make in helping prevent the spread of the common cold and the more serious flu virus. Most adults suffer two to five colds a year and infants and pre-school children have an average of four to eight.

If we all follow the simple rule of CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT, we can help reduce the spread of colds, flu and other viruses. We all have an important role to play in preventing ourselves, our families and others from spreading germs.

The messages of CATCH, IT, BIN IT, KILL IT 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 some time on tissues. Dispose of them as soon as possible.

• KILL IT
Hands can transfer germs to any surface you touch such as door handles and telephones, so clean your hands as soon as you can.