Swine flu: stay on guard

THE number of people catching swine flu across the North West has fallen slightly – but health chiefs are warning people to remain on guard.
With 139 being treated in hospitals in the region and 33 in critical care, Dr Ruth Hussey, North West director for public health said: “Our biggest concern is that although for the majority of people swine flu is a mild to moderate illness, for some the illness is very severe.”
Since the launch of the National Pandemic Flu Service at the end of July, 190,605 people in the North West have been diagnosed as having swine flu and 131,714 people have collected anti-viral medication. The number diagnosed on October 28 was 2,147 compared to 2,376 on October 21 and 1,521 people collected anti-viral medication compared to 1,783 on October 21.
Latest figures also show that 14 people have died as a result of swine flu in the North West since the outbreak of the swine flu virus in April.
Dr Hussey said: “I would urge people to take swine flu seriously.
“I fully understand that some people who catch swine flu who are normally healthy are deciding not to take anti-viral medication but anti-virals are the best weapon we have for reducing the risk of complications from swine flu.
“Irrespective of whether you decide to take anti-virals you need to monitor your symptoms closely and if you fail to improve or suddenly deteriorate telephone your GP for advice.
“If you are in one of the groups identified as being a priority you should take up the offer of a swine flu vaccine.”
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.