CommunitySafe.gov.uk

As a result of the increasing numbers of people visiting their GP with flu symptoms and because of the need to be able to give antivirals to increasing numbers of people quickly, National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) is now up and running.People in England can access swine flu advice and treatment through this new service, rather than by visiting their GP. People diagnosed with swine flu will be given an authorisation code that a flu friend – a friend or relative who does not have swine flu – can use to pick up antivirals from a local Antiviral Collection Point (ACP). People who are at greater risk of serious complications, including all children under one, will be advised to contact their GPs. In the meantime, if a friend, relative or colleague has swine flu, you should advise them to: • stay at home • check their symptoms as soon as possible on www.nhs.uk or • call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513 to hear the latest advice • if they have taken these steps and are still concerned, call NHS Direct or a GP for advice on next steps, so that a GP can prescribe antivirals if necessary, ideally within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms • not to go to A&E unless they are seriously ill If you do experience symptoms, you can help yourself by staying at home, following the advice above, resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking over-the-counter flu remedies to relieve symptoms. If your condition worsens you should contact your GP.