Swine Flu
28.08.2009
NHS Gloucestershire is continuing to encourage people with flu-like symptoms to use the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) and arrange for a flu friend to collect their medication from a collection point in the county.
Dr Shona Arora, Director of Public Health for NHS Gloucestershire, said:
“We experienced a peak towards the end of July, but, in line with the national situation, Gloucestershire has seen a reduction in the number of newly diagnosed cases of swine flu and people collecting antivirals.
“It is very important however, that people remain vigilant, continue to follow good hygiene practice and remain at home if they have flu-like symptoms:
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue whenever possible
• Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully – bag and bin them
• Maintain good hygiene – washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product.
“NHS Gloucestershire is working closely with local partners to ensure we are fully prepared in the event of any escalation in the pandemic during the next few months.”
Unless there is an urgent clinical need, antivirals do not need to be collected immediately after they have been authorised by the NPFS. They can safely be collected the following morning, if necessary. People are advised to continue to use paracetamol products to reduce temperature and drink plenty of fluids in these circumstances.
The opening times for antiviral collection points in Gloucestershire on Bank Holiday Monday are:
AD Byers, Moreton-in-Marsh 10am-4pm
Badham Chemist, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham 11am-1pm and 6-7pm
Boots the Chemist, Cricklade Street, Cirencester 12-1pm
Boots the Chemist, Gallagher Retail Park, Cheltenham 9am-6pm
Boots the Chemist, High Street, Stroud 10am-5pm
The Co-operative Pharmacy, Cinderford 11.30am-12.30pm
Lloyds Pharmacy, Waitrose, Cheltenham 10am-5pm
Tesco Pharmacy, Colletts Drive, Cheltenham 9am-6pm
Tesco Pharmacy, Cricklade Road, Cirencester 10am-6pm
Tesco Pharmacy, St Oswalds Road, Gloucester 9am-6pm
Tesco Pharmacy, Stratford Road, Stroud 9am-6pm
Anyone who has flu-like symptoms should remain at home and contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu and ensure they write down their unique reference number carefully. They should ask a person who does not have symptoms to act as their flu friend to collect their antiviral medication from a designated collection point.
Flu Friends are reminded that they need the patient’s ID as well as their own ID in order to collect antivirals.
Opening hours for antiviral collection points other than on August Bank Holiday Monday are available from the NPFS.
