Throughout the UK, health bodies and local councils have worked extremely hard to contain the spread of infection but as scientists now expect to see rapid rises in the number of cases it would be impossible to contain the virus indefinitely. It has been decided to move into the treatment phase - treating the increasing numbers affected by Swine Flu.
This will mean there will be an immediate end across the county to swabbing, contact tracing and prophylaxis.
GPs will now provide clinical diagnosis of Swine Flu cases rather than awaiting laboratory test results and Primary Care Trusts across the country will establish antiviral collection points where necessary. We are well prepared to do this in Derbyshire and have a system in place to make a number of centres operational as and when this becomes necessary.
Many people will be able to recover from Swine Flu without the need for antivirals and may therefore choose not to seek treatment.
However, it is important that anyone who belongs to a high-risk group starts taking antivirals as soon as possible. High-risk groups include people with long-term conditions, those over 65, children under five and pregnant women.
The symptoms of swine flu are:
If a person has flu-like symptoms and are concerned that they may have swine flu, they should:
People who have the virus will still be offered antivirals. However, it remains a matter of clinical discretion to decide whether they should be prescribed in individual cases for example where doctors are likely to be contacted by patients with coughs, colds and the worried well, in addition to those with Swine Flu.
The Department of Health has issued clear guidance to doctors to ensure that those at higher risk including those with chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, under fives, over 65s and pregnant women - get priority access to antivirals, within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
It is important that we deal with the current outbreak in a measured and controlled way, so it would not be helpful to make the antiviral collection points public at this stage. Everyone showing symptoms of Swine Flu has been advised to stay at home and contact their GP. They will then be assessed and receive treatment if necessary.
To prevent the virus from spreading it is crucial that you remain at home. Arrangements will be made for your medicine to be collected for you should that prove necessary.
There has been an increase in the number of people contacting their GP practices with swine flu symptoms but these numbers remain low. Its important that we are all aware of the symptoms as some people can mistake a summer cold or hay fever for Swine Flu.
We would urge people to check their symptoms on the NHS Direct Swine Flu symptom checker at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk (External website**). They can also call the swine flu information line on 08001 513513.
As cases rise further, health services will move to a system where cases are diagnosed and dealt with by a pandemic flu line. This will take the pressure off GPs by allowing people to be diagnosed via a central call centre.
The single most effective action the public can take to protect themselves and others from infection is correct respiratory and hand hygiene practice. These simple steps will have a major role to play in slowing the spread of any strain of influenza. Children should be encouraged to follow this advice.
We expect the first batches of vaccines to arrive in August, with around 60 million doses available by the end of the year enough for 30 million people with more following after that.
**Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.