PUBLIC health chiefs in North Yorkshire are urging people to find a ‘Flu Friend’ as part of their preparations should they get swine flu.

Now that the number of cases of swine flu is increasing rapidly, the NHS has moved to treatment phase from containment phase as part of its pandemic influenza plan. As part of this phase, NHS North Yorkshire and York is making sure that people know what to do should they become ill with swine flu.

Dr Peter Brambleby, Director of Public Health said: “If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu, stay at home and call NHS Direct or use the symptom checker on the NHS website. These services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Depending on your symptoms you may need to call your GP surgery. If your GP decides that you may benefit from anti-viral medication they will issue an authorisation voucher (like a prescription) entitling you to anti-virals. The surgery will also tell you where your anti-viral medication can be collected from. There are a number of designated local collection centres in our area.

“However, it’s very important that people with swine flu or flu-like symptoms do not go into pharmacies, GP surgeries or hospitals.

“Instead, people need to find themselves a ‘Flu Friend’ - a healthy friend or relative who can collect any anti-viral medication from the designated local collection point. Flu Friends can also make sure you have enough food, fluids and simple cold remedies if you become ill and can’t leave home.

“Flu Friends are an essential part of our pandemic influenza plan as they ensure that people with the virus avoid coming into contact with the wider public - reducing the spread of infection.”

What to do if you think you might have swine flu? The public are being advised in the first instance to stay at home and either:

• Go on line and check their systems on www.nhs.uk
• Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or
• Call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513 513.

After this, if you are still concerned you should call your GP who can provide a diagnosis over the phone.

What NOT to do? If you have flu-like symptoms, do not:

• Go into your GP surgery, pharmacy or local A&E department
• Go direct to your local pharmacy and ask for anti-virals – pharmacists will not be able to provide them without authorisation