Flu outbreak

Human influenza

An influenza pandemic, like Swine Flu is caused when a new strain of flu emerges, to which people have limited or no immunity. This means the flu is more likely to spread. 

What can you do?

Preventing the spread of germs is the best way to slow the spread of diseases.

You can help to protect yourself and your family by:

• Ensuring everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water
• Cleaning surfaces regularly

You can prevent a virus spreading to others by:

• Always carrying tissues and using them to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Binning the tissues as soon as possible
• Washing your hands regularly

Catch it, Bin it, Kill it, is an easy way to remember this.

Bird (avian) flu

This is a disease of birds and transmission to humans is extremely rare and requires close contact with infected birds. The UK is officially free of avian flu.

Latest information from Defra (opens in a new window)