Swine flu mild but spreading
Friday June 26, 2009
Swine flu is proving to be mild in the vast majority of cases and most people are recovering quickly, but the number of cases in the borough is expected to rise sharply, according to local health service bosses.
Cases have been reported at BBC headquarters in White City as well as at a number of local schools and across the community. However, while scores of residents are now seeking medical advice for flu symptoms, testing is no longer routine and many people are recovering quickly without medication, so it is no longer known how many people locally have contracted the virus.
Dr Dagmar Zeuner from NHS Hammersmith & Fulham is reassuring local people that fears about the virus should not affect their daily lives, but that there are things residents can do to help the NHS and vulnerable neighbours. “If you feel ill it’s important to telephone your GP, not to head down to your surgery, walk-in centre or hospital A&E,” she says.
“Everyone who needs antiviral medication will be able to get it, but we need people to find ‘flu friends’ who can collect it for them. Sick people need to stay at home to rest and to avoid passing the flu to others.”
“We’ve already seen a significant number of people with symptoms of flu turning up at GP surgeries and local hospitals which risks infecting other residents, doctors and nurses. We are asking everyone to help by making sure they follow the general advice of staying at home and phoning either their GP or NHS Direct for an assessment. They will let you know the right thing to do for your situation.”
There are two antiviral collection points in the north and south of the borough open seven days a week at the moment. More will open in the future if needed.
A number of local schools have children off sick with flu but education bosses are asking parents to follow advice distributed through schools. The virus is spreading in the community as well as schools so school closures are no longer believed practical or effective.
Andrew Christie, Director of Children’s Services for the council, said: “We’re getting expert health advice on each school when a case of swine flu is picked up. The assessment may vary from school to school but in general the message is sick children or staff should be kept off school but for healthy people is business as normal.”
For information on swine flu call 0800 1513 513 or go to www.hf.nhs.uk/flu (opens new window).
Read previous items on our Swine flu homepage.
