South Lakeland on high swine flu alert (From Lancaster And Morecambe Citizen)

South Lakeland on high swine flu alert

7:40am Friday 10th July 2009

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SOUTH Lakeland and Furness have been put on high alert in anticipation of a major spread of swine flu.

NHS Cumbria says it has full stocks of anti-viral drugs to combat a predicted rise in cases in these areas over the coming months.

And special collection centres are being set up where the public can go to pick up doses for vulnerable sufferers such as under-fives, pregnant women and people with underlying health problems.

Health chiefs locally are bracing themselves for thousands of cases of swine flu, which the Government says it is no longer trying to contain.

Most victims are expected to shrug off the illness without needing special medicaton, but vulnerable patients will be given immediate access to anti-viral drugs. However, special vouchers for the drugs will only be issued following a telephone or online consultation with a GP or NHS Direct.

Confirmation of Cumbria’s readiness to deal with the predicted onslaught of swine flu comes after the county experienced its first case last week. A 70-year-old American holidaymaker staying in the Carlisle area was confirmed as having the illness on June 27.

Since then a visitor to Lancaster University was confirmed with the H1N1 infection. The person was treated in isolation at the university before making a full recovery. Close contacts were given anti-viral doses as a precautionary measure.

Dr. Steven Gee, from the Health Protection Agency’s Cumbria and Lancashire Health Protection Unit, said: “It is important for everyone to be aware of flu symptoms and to isolate themselves and seek medical advice by phoning their GP or NHS Direct if they suspect they may have it.

“People with symptoms should not go to their GP surgery or local hospital A & E unit where they would risk infecting more vulnerable patients and they should stay away from work or school until they have fully recovered.

“However, people without symptoms should go about their daily lives as normal and that includes attending school, work or university.”

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of ordinary flu. They include fever, chills, cough, headache, sore throat, runny nose, aching muscles and joints. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

Anyone who has a fever and flu-like symptoms should stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (www.nhsdirect.nhs) or their GP by phone for advice.

People with symptoms should not go to school or work and should not attend health settings such as GP surgeries or hospital A & E departments.

For more details call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513 513.

Meanwhile, NHS Cumbria is urging residents to find a ‘flu friend’ to offer them vital support should they contract swine flu.

Dr Nigel Calvert, associate director of public health, said although most patients recovered within a week, the “key message” was to be prepared and ensure a friend or relative could collect medicines, food and supplies if they become unwell.

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