HEALTH chiefs at Warrington want local people to find a “Flu Friend.”
He, or she, could be a member of the family, a neighbour or a friend.
The idea is that a Flu Friend could help with things like shopping or collecting medication in the event of someone going down with swine ‘flu.
NHS Warrington is stressing there is no need to panic. Swine flue is still only a very mild illness with symptoms similar to other viruses.
They want people who suspected they may have the bug to act responsibly and check with NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhs.uk before contacting their GP.
In the meantime, everyone should identify their Flu Friend.
A spokeswoman said: “The ‘flu friend’ could be a member of your family, a neighbour or a friend. They can be contacted by you to pick up swine flu antivirals, any other medication or do any essential food shopping. It is important to have a ‘flu friend’, as the quarantine time for swine flu is at least 7 days.
“If you cannot identify a ‘flu friend’, you are advised to inform your GP at the point of being diagnosed with swine flu. Arrangements can then be made for your antivirals to be delivered to you.”
Residents are advised to stock up on tissues, cold remedies, non-perishable goods and any other essentials that might be needed over the quarantine period.
Everyone is urged to follow basic hygiene rules by catching sneezes in a tissue, binning them and regularly washing hands thoroughly.
The Health Protection Agency advises residents that unless they are in close contact – less than one metre – with an infected person for more than one hour, the risk of infection is extremely small.
NHS Warrington is adequately stocked with antiviral treatment for flu, so there is no need to panic about getting treatment, the spokeswoman added.
