Pearls before swine flu

From a friend of a friend who found himself cruelly stigmatised by his employer after a chance meeting with 'the wrong sort' of people (verbatim - I make no apology for shit spelling, random application of capital letters, or any other literary solecisms):

Sent: 01 May 2009 12:05
To: -----
Subject: Advice on Swine Flu
Importance: High

Dear All

As most of you know Donn has told you that on Wednesday he was in the company of the housemates of the Person from Newcastle who has contracted Swine Flu.

I have taken advice from my GP and also the NHS Direct helpline. They have advised the following :

There is no immediate risk to anyone in the Company as Donn is not presenting any of the symptoms – (I will list what to look for below).

IMMEDIATE ACTION

Everyone at the minute should be practicing excellent hygiene basics. Use tissues when sneezing and coughing – dispose of tissues immediately, then wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

The virus is spread through droplets from a cough or sneeze. The germs can live on a
hard surface for up to 24 hours.

These basic rules will help prevent the spread of the virus.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU PRESENT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS (if you think that you may have been in contact with someone who has swine flu)

Fever
Fatigue
Chills
Aching muscles
Runny nose, sneezing, coughing
Sore throat
Vomiting and/or diahhorea
Any kind of flu like symptoms

ACTION

Isolate yourself from other people (ie stay at home)

Contact your GP or NHS Direct (do NOT go to the surgery or walk in Clinic). They will arrange for you to have blood tests if they think it possible that you may have contracted the virus and will give you the appropriate dosage of Tami Flu

If you have been in contact with anyone with Swine Flu it may take up to 7 days for you to present with any of the symptoms.

If anyone has any queries please do not hesitate to contact me. I have been advised that the best web site with the up to date information is www.hpa.org.uk

Regards

Recruitment/Performance
Manager

[Thanks to KJW]