HEALTH chiefs across the North West – including Warrington – are poised ready to cope with an increase in swine flu cases.
A slight increase is anticipated – with the number of anti-virals collected in the region on September 16 slightly up to 764 from 522 on September 9.
Dr Ruth Hussey, North West director for Public Health said: “We always anticipated that there could be in increase once the schools returned. At the moment there is a small increase in flu-like illnesses and all the cases have been reported as mild. We will however continue to monitor the situation.”
Schools have received information from the Department for Children, Schools and Families and have been working with their local NHS and councils to ensure they are prepared and are taking precautions to limit the spread of the swine flu virus.
“We need everyone to be vigilant over the next few weeks, and to continue to follow advice on respiratory and hand hygiene,” said Dr Hussey.
“Parents and carers can help by reinforcing the advice their children are getting from schools, about washing hands regularly and thoroughly; and covering mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing.
“There is some really useful advice for parents on the Health Protection Agency website.”
The majority of people who have had swine flu so far, have described mild to moderate cold or flu-like symptoms.
Some of the symptoms are the sudden onset of a high temperature of 38 degrees or above and two or more of the following: cough or shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or a loss of appetite.
Anyone who thinks they may have contracted the swine flu virus can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1 513 513 for information or 0800 1 513 100 for treatment.
If you have think you could have swine flu and have chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, are over 65, are pregnant, or if you have a child under five with symptoms, you should telephone your usual GP service rather than use the National Pandemic Flu Service.
Information on the HPA website can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_178075 and www.hpa.nhs.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1247816586652
HEALTH chiefs across the North West - including Warrington - are poised ready to cope with an increase in swine flu cases.
Heath chiefs ready for swine flu rise
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
