Swine flu and the Battle of Flowers

11 August 2009

Jersey’s Deputy Medical Officer of Health is advising Islanders that there is no need to avoid mass gatherings or social events because of concerns about catching swine flu.

However, Dr Susan Turnbull is urging anyone who has flu-like symptoms to stay at home to avoid spreading the infection to other people.

Dr Turnbull said: “We are still in a containment phase and our aim is to limit the spread of swine flu until the vaccine arrives. However this doesn’t mean people should avoid events like the Battle of Flowers unless they already have flu symptoms.

“Anyone attending large scale events should focus on preventing the spread of infection by practising good hygiene, such as covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of the used tissues promptly.”

Teams from the Public Health department will be handing out leaflets and balloons at the entrance to the Battle arena to raise awareness about the ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.’ message.

Anyone who has a fever (temperature 38 degrees or more) and flu symptoms should stay at home and call their GP. It is important that people do not go to A&E or direct to their GP’s surgery as this risks spreading the virus into the hospital.

The flu helpline, which provides general information for the public, is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm and the number to call is 445566. Anyone needing medical advice will need to contact their GP.