As a result of the Swine Flu cases in the UK, Maldon District Council’s Emergency Planning team is currently working closely with the Mid Essex NHS and local health organisations as part of a well practiced and co-ordinated plan.

These organisations are also in contact with the Health Protection Agency and the Department of Health and they in turn, are monitoring information released from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

As far as delivering services to residents is concerned, it is business as usual, but there are some simple steps that everyone can take to help prevent catching colds and flu, based on good respiratory and hand hygiene.  Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger and regularly wash your hands.

The following links and contact numbers provide further information and advice.

Mid Essex NHS - http://www.midessex.nhs.uk/News1/News/Swine-flu/

NHS Direct - http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

Health Protection Agency (HPA) http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&Page&HPAwebAutoListName/Page/1240732817665?p=1240732817665

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/swine-flu/index.htm

Department of Health -http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Flu/PandemicFlu/index.htm

World Health Organisation (WHO)

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

National Flu Information Line - 0800 1 513 513

NHS Direct - 0845 46 47