SWINE FLU LATEST

The picture with the H1N1 strain of the Influenza A virus (Swine Flu) is changing almost daily and we'll do our best to update you as often as possible.

- The illness does appear to be generally a mild one and is certainly no worse than the normal expected seasonal influneza

- The Department of Health has decided that attempts to contain the virus (by closing schools, treating contacts etc) have not been successful and the policy is now of treating suspected cases with drugs such as Tamiflu

- Diagnosis of Swine Flu is no longer being made routinely with swabs etc. and is being made on clinical grounds. Patients can go online and check their symptoms on www.nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. 

- The National Pandemic Flu Service was launched on 23rd July. To access the new service patients should first visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu. The website is available 24 hours a day and is designed to identify the symptoms of swine flu and to provide authorisation to access antivirals. There are also two telephone lines open from 8.00am - 12.00pm. For information call 0800 1 513 100 and for treatment call 0800 1 513 200. Patients diagnosed with swine flu will be given an authorisation code so that a "flu friend" can collect a supply of antivirals. The flu friend will need to take personal ID as well as the patient's ID in order to collect the antivirals.

- Those patients with serious underlying illness, those who are pregnant and parents or carers of those under the age of one should contact the surgery if they are concerned about the possibility of swine flu

- Remember to "Catch It, BIn It, Kill It"

- Our annual seasonal flu immunisation programme is due to begin in early October.

- A swine flu vaccine is expected later on the year

- Please remember that, if the Swine Flu infection becomes more widespread, the doctors, nurses and reception staff are likely to be extremely busy. We would ask for your co-operation and patience to ensure that we can direct healthcare to those who most need it