After it was confirmed that 10 suspected cases of swine flu are being investigated here in the North-East, NHS Grampian has issued this advice.

The symptoms associated with swine flu are:

-          fever

-          respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose

-          sore throat

-          other symptoms such as body aches, chills fatigue, vomiting or diarrhoea

Anyone returning from   Mexico and the affected areas of the US (California, Texas, Kansas, New York City, Ohio)   who has experienced one or more of these symptoms within 7 days of their return   should stay at home and seek medical advice by calling their GP during the day or contacting NHS 24 out of hours (tel   08454 24 24 24 ).

We can all help to reduce the risk of spreading infections by practising good hygiene including:    

• using a tissue to cover your mouth when coughing and/or sneezing, disposing of the tissue promptly and then washing your hands
• washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing and using tissues
• avoiding touching your mouth, eyes and nose unless you have recently cleaned your hands
• using normal household detergent and water to clean surfaces frequently touched by hands
• an alcohol hand rub, which kills the flu virus within 30 seconds could be used as an alternative for cleaning hands which are visibly clean