Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Nick Palmer (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 12 May 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Swine Influenza

Question: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. I have read the brochure that the Department circulated with great interest, and it is helpful. However, I am sure that my right hon. Friend agrees that there is some difficulty with the substantial overlap between the symptoms of normal flu and those of swine flu. What would she recommend that my constituents do if they seem to have a severe case of what may well be normal flu? Should they go to their GP, ring a helpline or wait and see?

Answer: What I would say to my hon. Friend and, in particular, to anybody who has been following the media coverage is that either there has to be contact with somebody who has travelled to Mexico or the person affected has to have travelled to Mexico. They should then phone for advice, from either their GP, NHS Direct or the flu service line.

Secondary information