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News UK updates
National Pandemic Flu Service
The Department of Health announced today that it will soon launch
its National Pandemic Flu Service.
This service is made up of a website and call centres which
will quickly be able to tell members of the public whether they
have swine flu. If they do, they will be given an authorisation
number that a ‘flu friend’ – a friend or relative
who does not have swine flu – can use to pick up antivirals
from local antiviral collection points.
England - the service should be up and running in England from
the end of next week. Until then, if someone thinks they may
have swine flu, they should go online and check symptoms on
the NHS Choices website, or call the swine flu information line
on 0800 1 513 513. If they still think they have swine flu,
they should then call their GP
Scotland - people who are worried about flu-like symptoms should
continue to contact their GP or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24
Wales - if symptoms are causing concern, or people are in an
at risk group such as those with heart and lung disease, children
under 5 or pregnant women, they should phone NHS Direct on 0845
46 47 or phone their GP
It is particularly important for people with chronic lung, kidney
or heart disease, under fives, over 65s and pregnant women to
use the new service as soon as they have symptoms and to keep
in touch with their GP. Parents with children under one year
should call their GP if their child has symptoms as soon as
possible.
Case numbers
The Health Protection Agency, in its weekly flu update, estimates
that there were 55,000 new cases of swine flu last week. The
majority of cases continue to be mild but there have been 26
deaths in England and three in Scotland. THe HPA points out
that the figure represents the number of deaths in individuals
with swine flu; it does not represent the number of deaths that
can be attributed to swine flu. The under-5s and 5-14 year olds
are the age groups predominantly affected.
Case numbers
The Health Protection Agency, in its weekly flu update, estimates
that there were 55,000 new cases of swine flu last week. The
majority of cases continue to be mild but there have been 26
deaths in England and three in Scotland. THe HPA points out
that the figure represents the number of deaths in individuals
with swine flu; it does not represent the number of deaths that
can be attributed to swine flu. The under-5s and 5-14 year olds
are the age groups predominantly affected.
