How much contact should I have with family and friends?

If you have swine flu, avoid unnecessary contact with family and friends while you are infectious, which is usually until five days after your symptoms started (seven days in children). Once your symptoms have gone, you are no longer infectious.

Keep one metre or more away from people’s faces to avoid droplets from your throat affecting others. Where possible, you can avoid exposing your partner to infection by sleeping in the spare room.

What if I need someone to care for me? Will they catch my swine flu?

If you are unable to look after yourself, ask a friend or relative to collect medicines and groceries for you, order any repeat prescriptions, help with basic tasks, such as cooking, and generally care for you.

If your friend or relative keeps their distance from you wherever possible and you both have good hygiene (sneezing into a tissue and washing your hands thoroughly), there is a good chance that they will not catch the infection.

I've lost my appetite. What should I do?

Losing your appetite is a common symptom of flu and will usually return as you begin to feel better. Try to eat light, nutritious foods, such as soup, toast, baked beans and scrambled eggs (these are also easy to prepare). It may be easier for you to eat little and often. Try to keep drinking fluids (non alcoholic) even if you don’t feel up to eating.

Is there any medication I can take to help me feel better?

Over-the-counter medicines like Paracetamol, Co-Codamol or Ibuprofen may be used to reduce fever or aches. Always follow the package directions for any over-the-counter cold or flu remedy or discuss with the pharmacist.

Should I go out?

The National Pandemic Flu Service is a new online service that gives you self-care advice and antiviral medication if you need it without going to your GP.

If you feel up to it, you may want to get some fresh air. Do not go on public transport, stay in crowded places or visit your GP or hospital when you have swine flu symptoms, as you may infect other people with the virus.

If you suddenly get worse, seek medical advice immediately.

When should I go back to school or work?

You can go back to school or work when you are feeling well and are no longer infectious. Adults are most infectious soon after they develop symptoms and remain infectious while their symptoms continue, which is usually for up to five days. They can normally return to work within seven days. In children, symptoms continue for up to seven days and they can normally return to school within 10 days