Swine flu

Information about swine flu If you are concerned about your health or are displaying flu-like symptoms, you can call the Northern Ireland swine flu helpline on 0800 0514 142. It is open from 9am to 5pm daily.

The NI Direct website also contains the latest updates about the outbreak, as well as information about symptoms, travel advice and important contact details.

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety website is also updated regularly with advice and information.

The UK swine flu information line is
0800 1513 513. It has the latest updates about swine flu in the UK.

Hygiene advice

You can help limit the spread of swine flu by maintaining good hygiene. For example: The government has produced a leaflet containing important information about swine flu. You can download the swine flu leaflet from the NI Direct website.

Travel advice

If you’ve recently returned from abroad and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home.

Call your doctor or the Northern Ireland swine flu helpline on
0800 0514 142 for further information and advice.

If you’re planning a trip, check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for the latest travel information.

The Health Protection Agency website also contains good advice for travellers, while the UK Border Agency website has an information leaflet for people entering the UK with flu-like symptoms.

Advice for businesses

The following websites provide useful advice for businesses:

About swine flu

Swine flu is a form of influenza which originated in pigs but can be caught by, and spread amongst, humans.

The virus is spread by person-to-person contact – it is not transmitted by food and you cannot catch the virus from eating pork or pork products.

Symptoms of swine flu include a cough, a sore throat, fever, headaches and chills.

More information about swine flu and its symptoms is available from both the NI Direct website and the World Health Organisation website