Advice to the public

• Although of concern, the events in Mexico are unusual. The UK government is closely monitoring the situation and bringing together key agencies to ensure an effective and efficient response
• People returning from a visit to an affected area are advised to monitor their health closely for seven days. If during this period they develop a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of a cough, sore throat, headache or muscle aches, they should stay at home and contact their GP by phone or seek advice from NHS Direct (0845 4647)
• At the moment advice is to be vigilant and take sensible precautions
• Good hygiene like using a tissue and washing hands thoroughly can help reduce transmission
• The Health Protection Agency is the lead agency responsible for providing public health advice to the Department of Health and supporting all aspects of the public health response to a flu pandemic
• Some press coverage is not surprisingly emphasising the potential risk of a flu pandemic: this is alarmist and it is important to note that there is currently no pandemic. This message is reinforced in an LGA press notice issued today