Holidays may stem Exeter swine flu outbreaks
PEOPLE across the city are being reminded to stay away from their GP or NHS walk-in centres if they suspect they have swine flu.
There have been a number of cases reported in Exeter and other parts of Devon. The Maynard School in Exeter’s Magdalen Road has confirmed one case while Tiverton High School has reported four suspected cases.
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Andrew Lovett
Around 15 students from Exeter University tested positive for the virus last month, as did pupils from a number of primary and secondary schools.
Experts say that with schools breaking up for the summer holidays, the spread of the virus could possibly be stemmed.
Andrew Lovett, head teacher at Tiverton High School, said: “I don’t think we are out of kilter with other places. We have a small number of cases.
“The swab tests are not being sent away any more and we have not had any more cases that I am aware of.” Mr Lovett said the cases were only suspected.
A spokeswoman for Devon Primary Care Trust said: “The Government has drawn on advice from leading scientists and health experts to inform its decision that, as of July 2, the UK moved to the treatment-only phase.
“In practical terms, this means that GPs will be able to diagnose swine flu on the basis of symptoms rather than waiting for laboratory testing. All contact tracing has ceased, and we will stop giving anti-viral drugs to people who may have been exposed to the virus.
“Anyone who has contracted swine flu should continue to be offered anti-virals until further notice. As a result, much less testing is taking place and therefore the numbers of people confirmed — or where they live — may not give an accurate picture of the current situation in relation to swine flu.”
She added: “There are isolated pockets of activity in Devon, most notably centred on the University of Exeter.
“The situation outside of this area is less acute, with fewer people reporting symptoms, although this is expected to change over the weeks and months ahead.”
People who believe they may have the virus are advised to call the swine flu information line on 08001 513513, or visit www.nhs.uk for general information.
People should only call NHS Direct 0845 4647, or their GP, if they have used these information sources first.
A six-year-old girl has become the latest person to die as a result of swine flu taking the number of UK deaths linked to the virus to 16.
It is also believed the virus has reached Downing Street. It is understood that Gordon Brown’s adviser on climate change, Michael Jacobs, has been infected.
It is thought that he may have contracted the virus during a visit to Mexico.
4 Comments
by anaon, exeter
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 2:26PM
“i agree with Mike Parsons.
The media coverage of this has been a joke.
No wonder people are panicing about swine flu.”
by Mike Parsons, Exeter, UK
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 12:16PM
“The problem is, like everything, the public are told conflicting information. Only a few weeks ago the papers were awash with stories how millions in the UK could die from swine flu and it was the biggest threat to our survival since the Spanish flu outbreak which killed millions, then on the other hand, we're now being told not to bother contacting a doctor or the NHS walk-in centres. If people were told honestly about swine flu and the steps to take, it would not cause so much anxiety. People are rightly scared if they are told they can die from this and will obviously seek out whichever immedate attention they think they need.”
by Mandy, Exeter
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 12:10PM
“I dont understand why people can't listen to advice. If we are told to stay away from Doctors and Hospitals then why people can't do this. Its because they are selfish and want to spread their germs to everyone else. If they have a sore throat etc then stay at home, rest and take paracetamol the same as if you had normal flu. Everyone is making the situation worse by visiting these places etc.If people cant get through then just keep trying why be so impatient. If your at home as you should be then you can keep ringing till you get through. I had to wait for 30 mins to get through my doctors to make an appointment but I just had to keep trying, with the way it is at the moment. With regards to people visiting the hospital etc do they not think they will pass their germs onto hospital staff/drs then what are people going to do if they are ill.”
by anon, exeter
Tuesday, July 14 2009, 7:23AM
“I work in the a/e dept wonford and people are not staying away from hospitals. I am seeing more and more people with flu like symptoms and sore throats but most of them say they had no choice because they could not get through to NHS direct or the Out of hours GP service for advice”