We're ready to deal with pandemic

WARRINGTON – and the rest of the North West – is ready to deal with a possible flu pandemic.
Dr Ruth Hussey, regional director of public health said: “Our local NHS hospitals and primary care trusts have been working with the Health Protection Agency to put into action the plans that have been developed and thoroughly tested for such an eventuality.
“They have been preparing for a possible pandemic for the past five years.”
The World Health Organisation has raised its alert level for pandemic influenza from 4 to 5. This means that they now believe that a world-wide pandemic is imminent, with flu passing from person to person.
In response, the Department of Health has launched a national flu information line and will start a leaflet drop to every household in the country next Tuesday.
In England there have been five confirmed cases of swine flu. All of the people affected had recently travelled to one of the affected countries. They have mild flu-like symptoms and are being treated at home, with anti-viral medication. In addition, close contacts are being tested and treated with anti-viral medication. This is standard procedure.
Dr Hussey said: “We know that people will be feeling concerned at the moment. However, we want to reassure them that the NHS is prepared.
“It is important that people are vigilant. At the moment it is unclear where the swine flu virus will spread, however we are anticipating that there will be some cases in our region.
“If you have returned from an affected area and have flu like symptoms stay at home, call your GP or NHS Direct. You will be asked some simple questions. If necessary, swabs may be taken to be tested and, if needed treatment will be given with anti-viral medication.
“There are some basic and effective steps that we can all take to help prevent the spread of swine flu, and any other type of flu. Follow the advice of the national campaign to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ if you need to sneeze of cough,” said Dr Hussey. “Viruses are spread through the air, so using a tissue and disposing of it effectively is very important as well as washing your hands thoroughly and regularly.”
The telephone for the national flu information line is 0800 1513 513. Further information is also available on the NHS Choices website < www.nhs.uk; on the Health Protection Agency website www.hpa.org.uk; or from NHS Direct on 0845-4647, website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
In Warrington, a spokesman for NHS Warrington said: “We have a robust plan in place for dealing with a pandemic.
“We keep our plans under regular review and our planning has been informed by the biggest ever peacetime exercise on how to prepare for a flu pandemic.”