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| Swineflu panic buying |
PANIC-buying of thermometers, antiseptic wipes and soap has sparked fears that shops could run out of stock.
Sales have soared by up to 700 PER CENT as swine flu jitters sweep the nation.
Last week chemist chain Superdrug sold out of £7.92 digital thermometers after sales increased five-fold. And Cumbria-based manufacturer Brannan Thermometers said it was “a struggle” keeping up with demand.
Brits are also snapping up wipes, soap and gel after advice that washing hands keeps swine flu at bay. Even sales of tinned foods have risen by 11 per cent because people are worried they will be stuck in their homes.
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THOUSANDS of holidaymakers could be at risk because their travel insurance fails to cover them for swine flu.
Some policies have a “pandemic exclusion clause” buried in the small print which means they do not have to pay out.
Swine flu has officially been declared a pandemic with the number of new cases doubling in a week to 100,000.
Several smaller insurance providers such as Global Alert and TravelSafe have pandemic clauses though most mainstream firms have promised they will cover tourists.
Maxine Baker, travel insurance manager at moneysupermarket.com said: “It is not surprising holidaymakers are concerned about cover. If in doubt, contact your insurer.”
MYTH: I’ve got a runny nose, I have swine flu!
FACT: Probably not. But if you’re hot, with a temperature of 38°C or more and other flu-like symptoms, call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100.
MYTH: I’d be safer if I wore a facemask.
FACT: Wearing a facemask will not stop you catching swine flu. The best advice is to sneeze into tissues and bin them.
MYTH: Pregnant women must lock themselves indoors.
FACT: There is no need for pregnant women to stop going to work, using public transport or seeing friends and family. But they should avoid people with swine flu symptoms.
MYTH: The NHS can’t cope.
FACT: We have enough Tamiflu for everyone and the
National Pandemic Flu Service will take pressure off GPs.
MYTH: You can catch swine flu from pigs.
FACT: Despite its name, you can’t get swine flu from pigs or by eating pork. You get it by breathing it in or touching something that has the virus on it.
MYTH: We’re all going to die!
FACT: Most people will only have mild symptoms and make a full recovery after less than a week.
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