Yesterday’s World Health Organization report provides data on cases of swine flu in Europe. The highest number of cases was detected in Spain – 40 – and the United Kingdom – 15. Among the countries located closest to Poland, it lists Germany (8 cases) and Austria (one case). No deaths have been recorded in Europe.
The Chief Sanitary Inspectorate recommends that people travelling abroad:
- strictly follow all recommendations issued by the local health service
- avoid close contact with people showing flu-like symptoms
- stay at home if they develop flu-like symptoms
- cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing – this will help prevent infecting other people with the virus
- wash their hands frequently with soap and water
- avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands.
If symptoms of illness occur, immediate contact with a doctor is recommended.
People returning to the country are advised to see a doctor immediately and inform them that they stayed in an area where AH1N1 swine flu virus occurs (Mexico and the USA), if symptoms such as the following appear within 10 days of returning to the country:
- elevated body temperature
- weakness
- cough
- loss of appetite
- runny nose
- sore throat.
In such a case, after speaking with the patient, the doctor refers them to the nearest infectious diseases ward and notifies the relevant services.
A hotline concerning swine flu has also been launched. Specialists from the National Institute of Public Health provide information at: 022 54 21 412 (413, 414) and 0696 498 559. The hotline is open 24 hours a day.
The World Health Organization is reassuring the public and is not imposing restrictions on travellers. Thanks to awareness-raising and prevention efforts, the SARS virus was already stopped once. In the swine flu pandemic, information and prevention are now the most important.
(information from the Minister of Health/ ii)