Suffolk prepared for swine flu surge

HEALTH bosses have said they are pushing ahead with plans to prepare for a possible autumn surge in swine flu cases across Suffolk.

NHS Suffolk says it now has 18 local pharmacies operational as antiviral collection points - where people's flu friends can go with their unique reference number to collect antiviral medication.

Planning is also in place to ensure a further nine pharmacies are operational as antiviral collection points over the coming weeks. This will bring the total to 27 in the NHS Suffolk area.

NHS Suffolk said it is continuing to work closely with partner organisations - including GPs and hospitals - to be prepared for an anticipated rise in numbers of swine flu cases in the autumn.

Dr Brian Keeble, flu director at NHS Suffolk, said: 'We are anticipating a possible surge in cases after people return from their holidays and children go back to school. But this is no reason for alarm. The same advice still stands - make sure you practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water, particularly before eating. This will reduce the chance of you getting flu

'Also, by covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible and disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully - and by remembering to Catch It, Bin It, Kill It you reduce the chance of passing bugs on to others.'

If you think you have any flu-like symptoms, call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513100 or go online at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu. You can also get general advice by calling the Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 which will remain in place alongside the new service.

People should contact their doctor direct rather than using the National Pandemic Flu Service if they have a serious underlying illness, are pregnant, have a sick child under one-year-old, their condition suddenly gets much worse or if their condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 for a child).