Find out how you can help protect yourself and others from swine flu. View the TV ad from the Department of Health.
Catch It, Bin It, Kill It
The best thing you can do to protect yourself from flu is to follow good hygiene practices.
These will help to slow the spread of the virus and will be the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself and others from infection.
When you cough or sneeze it is especially important to follow the rules of good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs:
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Always carry tissues
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Use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze
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Bin the tissues after one use
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Wash your hands often with soap and hot water or a sanitiser gel
You should also clean hard surfaces such as door handles frequently to get rid of germs using a normal cleaning product.
Make sure you have a stock of food and other supplies, including paracetamol-based cold remedies, available at home. This should be enough to last two weeks.
Swine Flu Campaign and TV Ad
A mass public health campaign has begun with TV, print and radio adverts from the government warning people about swine flu with the Catch It, Bin It, Kill It message.
You can view the TV advert online and download a copy of a press advert poster below. There is also a sign language version of the video and additional campaign resources on the Department of Health website.
Swine Flu Vaccine
The swine flu vaccination programme began on 21 October 2009, with the highest-risk groups being offered the vaccine first.
The government's Chief Medical Officer for England is urging people to have the swine flu vaccination.
While the number of swine flu cases are down, deaths and serious illness remain a concern. People are still being hospitalised with swine flu, with many people becoming critically ill.
Your GP will be able to advise you on vaccination against swine flu, or you can find out more about who should have the vaccine on the NHS website, using the link from this page.
