25 June 2009
People who do not have flu symptoms but have been in contact with someone who has Swine Flu are being advised that there is no need to stay off work.
Consultant Microbiologist, Dr Ivan Muscat, said: ”Close contacts of patients with Swine Flu can go about their normal business as long as they remain well - whether they are on precautionary Tamiflu or not. Clearly, if someone who has been in contact with a confirmed case develops flu like symptoms, they should stay at home and request a home visit from their GP.”
Nine cases of Swine Flu have been confirmed in Jersey. All patients have made a good recovery to date
Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Susan Turnbull, said: “If someone develops Swine Flu, all the people who can be identified by the patient and the relevant GPs as having been in close contact with the patient, will be contacted and advised to take Tamiflu as a precaution. People who are ‘contacts of contacts’ do not need Tamiflu, or to take any other precautionary measures.
“However, anyone with a fever (temperature 38 degrees or more) and flu symptoms (feeling cold and shivery, or hot; and usually a headache, sore throat, aches and pains, cough) should stay at home and call their GP for a home visit. The best way to be sure if you have a fever is to check with a thermometer at home. If you do not have one, now is a good time to buy one from a pharmacy.”
Dr Turnbull added: “I would also like to urge people to make sure that both they and their children are registered with a GP so that they will be able to ask for a home visit if they need one.”
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.
gov.je