Information of particular relevance to respiratory medicine and other health professionals:
Pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza: clinical management guidelines for adults and children: This document (published 30 October 2009) updates provisional guidance for the clinical management of adults and children with symptoms of influenza–like illness, severe influenza and complications, provided in 2007 by the British Infection Society, British Thoracic Society and Health Protection Agency in collaboration with the Department of Health.
Preparations for pandemic influenza: Royal College of Physicians (London) report, June 2009. The report contains a section on Respiratory Medicine (pages 17-19) prepared by members of the British Thoracic Society.
During the current focus on swine flu, respiratory medicine health professionals are encouraged not to forget good management of other respiratory conditions. Further information for BTS members can be found here.
BTS has produced advice for those with asthma, in relation to influenza A/H1N1 infection (8/1/2010).
BTS and BPRS have produced a statement on the use of nebulisers in patients where influenza A/H1N1 infection is suspected (21/8/09).
Support of NHS Staff working in Exceptional Circumstances: this document, produced by the Intensive Care Society, aims to raise awareness of the potential implications for staff, and to provide suggestions to their employers and supporting professional organisations on how to minimise the implications which may have potentially adverse effects for staff faced with a range of potential difficulties.
Other Useful Links
Health Protection Agency
Department of Health for England
Department of Health for Scotland
Department of Health for Wales
Department of Health for Northern Ireland
World Health Organisation
If you have flu-like symptoms and require further information please call:
Swine flu information line: 0800 1 513 513 www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
NHS Direct: 0845 4647
NHS 24 (Scotland): 08454 242424
Northern Ireland swine flu helpline: 0800 0514142
Advice from Asthma UK
Advice from the British Lung Foundation
Cystic Fibrosis Trust guidelines on swine flu for people with CF