As of Friday 4 December 2009

The Council continues to monitor the situation.

Swine flu is continuing to spread throughout the UK. So far, most swine flu cases have been mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. Only a small number of people have had more serious symptoms.

Numbers of people using the National Pandemic Flu Service and collecting anti-virals has been fairly level over the past month.

Seasonal flu is now also circulating in the community. It is important that eligible people take up the swine flu vaccine when offered, even if they think they may have already had swine flu. These symptoms may have been caused by a seasonal flu virus and those individuals may remain at risk of infection from swine flu.

Swine Flu Symptoms can include a temperature of 38°C or above, plus two or more of the following:

Widespread muscle and joint aches
A cough
Headache
Blocked or runny nose
Sore throat
Vomiting
Watery diarrhoea
Cannot stop crying (only children)

People who think they may have swine flu should contact the National Pandemic Flu Service for assessment on 0800 1 513 100, or at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
Anti viral medication will be made available where required.

People should contact their GP if:
they have a serious underlying illness
they are pregnant
they have a sick child under one year old
their condition suddenly gets much worse
their condition is still getting worse after seven days (or five days for a child)