National Pandemic Flu Service closure – arrangements for Gloucestershire

12/02/2010

NHS Gloucestershire is encouraging local people who have flu-like symptoms that they think may be swine flu to contact their GP or telephone NHS Direct for advise on treatment as the National Pandemic Flu Service stands down.

The National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) closed on 11 February 2010, as levels of influenza remain low in the community.

The online and phone self-care service has stopped and local people with suspected swine flu should stay at home and telephone NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or their GP.

Anyone looking for information on swine flu can see visit www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.

The number of cases of swine flu in Gloucestershire is continuing to decrease and has remained very low since the beginning of the year.

Dr Shona Arora, Director of Public Health at NHS Gloucestershire, said:

“As is the case across the country, we have seen the number of people accessing antiviral medication and requiring hospital treatment as a result of swine flu reducing over the past few weeks.

“However, we continue to remain vigilant and to work closely with the Department of Health to implement the vaccination programme.

“I would continue to encourage people who have been invited by their GP to take the opportunity to get vaccinated. Although we are not seeing a high number of people with symptoms of swine flu it is still important that those who are most vulnerable and at risk of developing serious complications from the virus protect themselves by getting vaccinated. “