Swine Influenza - Public Information
Influenza A(H1N1)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) increased the alert level for the influenza A(H1N1) outbreak to level 6 on Thursday 11 June.
The Scottish Government has stressed that level 6 does not mean that the virus has become more serious but that the extent of the global spread fulfils the definition of a pandemic. Within Scotland, agencies are already operating at a heightened state of readiness so a move to level 6 will not mean any significant change to our response. Like all agencies, Scottish Borders Council has been developing plans to deal with any local outbreak. We will continue to refine those plans and work closely with NHS Borders and other partner agencies to ensure that we are ready to respond promptly and effectively.
It is now more important than ever for everyone to follow basic hygiene practices to contain the spread and help to protect themselves. Wash your hands regularly throughout the day, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, dispose of the tissues immediately and wash your hands as soon as possible afterwards.
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The latest information is available on the Scottish Government website at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/health/AvianInfluenza/mexicanswiuneflu
Information and guidance continues to be published regularly on the Health Protection Agency website at http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&Page&HPAwebAutoListName/Page/1240732817665?p=1240732817665
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