SWINE FLU: Now in treatment phase

 THE UK has moved past the stage of containing the outbreak of swine flu and into the “treatment phase”, Health Secretary Andy Burnham told the House of Commons.

There are now 7,447 laboratory-confirmed cases in the UK after a “considerable rise” over the past few days.

Mr Burnham said: “Cases are doubling every week and on this trend we could see over 100,000 cases per day by the end of August.”

Under the new treatment phase, the Health Protection Agency will take a step back from dealing with the outbreak.

GPs would now provide clinical diagnosis of swine flu cases, rather than awaiting test results.

Primary care trusts would begin to establish antiviral collection points where necessary.

Devon Primary Care Trust   is advising people to get the right advice in the fight against swine flu.

Steve Brown, assistant director of public health at Devon Primary Care Trust, said: “The  advice is  people should not attend walk-in centres, NHS hospitals or GP practices in person if they have symptoms.

“Instead they should call the swine flu information line 08001 513 513 or visit www.nhs. uk where they can check any symptoms online. People should only call NHS Direct 0845 46 47 or their GP if they have used these information sources first.

“It will now be up to the GP to prescribe antivirals on diagnosis – rather than wait for the results of tests.  Routine prophylaxis will not take place.

“Although Devon as a whole is not adversely affected by the virus, there are pockets of activity, most notably at Exeter University.

 “The best method to avoid spreading the infection is still to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, disposing of it as soon as possible and quickly and thoroughly cleaning your hands.”

In the UK three people – who all had underlying health problems – have died after contracting the virus.

For more swine flu articles and advice visit http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/swineflu