A government website has been set up that will assess yous symptoms and, if required, provide an authorisation number, which can be used to collect antivirals from a local Antiviral Collection Point.

Have I got swine flu?
The main symptoms are sudden fever, and sudden cough. But you may also suffer: headache, tiredness, chills, aching muscles, limb or joint pain, diarrhoea or stomach upset, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and loss of appetite.

According to the NHS "Most people who have contracted swine flu recover within a week and do not suffer complications, even without being given antiviral medication. However, experts point out that as this is a new virus, its behaviour cannot be predicted with certainty.

A doctor faced with a symptomatic patient cannot yet predict with certainty the course of their illness and whether or not they will be in the small proportion who may become more seriously ill."

Check if you have swine flu and access antiviral medicine

Are some groups at higher risk?
Some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu, and will need to start taking antiviral medication as soon as they are confirmed with the illness.

The following people are particularly susceptible:
People with chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease, immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment) and diabetes mellitus; patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years; pregnant women; people aged 65 years and older, and young children under five years old.

I think I have swine flu - what should I do?
Follow the link in the Have I got swine flu? section to assess your symptoms and access medicine.
Alternatively stay at home and contact your GP - they will give you a voucher for anti-viral medication if they confirm you have swine flu over the phone. Give this number to a healthy friend or relative and ask them to collect antivirals from a designated local collection centre.

Useful numbers
Swine Flu national helpline 0800 1 513 100
NHS Swine flu information hotline 0800 1 513 513
NHS direct 0845 46 47

What can I do to prepare for swine flu?
Establish a network of "flu friends" friends and relatives - who can help if you fall ill. They could, for example, collect medicines and food for you

Also make sure that you have an adequate amount of paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house in case you become ill

• Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water
• Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
• Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible