HEALTH bosses are encouraging anyone who suspects they have swine flu to make sure they seek treatment, as hospitals across the UK are noticing a rise in the number of patients being admitted with complications.
Over the past few weeks NHS Coventry has noted a steady rise in the number of people who are using their family GP as the first port of call, rather than the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) when they have swine flu symptoms.
Coventry residents are also being reminded of what steps most people should take to get the best treatment.
Richard Hancox, flu director for NHS Coventry, said: “It is important that people with flu like symptoms should stay away from the GP practice for fear of spreading the virus to other vulnerable patients or healthcare workers.
“Patients who have an underlying health condition, babies under one year old and pregnant women who suspect they have swine flu should however contact their GP in the usual way. By using the NPFS service will free up GPs, enabling them to deal with other illnesses that need their urgent attention.
“People who have swine flu symptoms will be given a unique access number and told where their nearest antiviral collection point is. They should then ask a flu friend - a friend or relative who doesn’t have swine flu - to go and pick up their antivirals.”
For more information visit www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk or call 0800 1513 100.
No comments:
Post a Comment