Warning to stay on swine flu alert

HEALTH bosses in the North-West are warning Oldhamers to stay vigilant despite an apparent drop in the number of swine flu cases in the region.

The daily total for the number of anti-virals collected last Wednesday, August 5, was 2,885 — down from 4,216 on July 29.

Dr Ruth Hussey, North- West Regional Director of Public Health said: “The National Pandemic Flu Service is working well in the region, but we need people to be vigilant and use their own judgement.

“If you have contacted the service or your GP and are diagnosed with swine flu, but continue to have concerns, it is important to contact your GP as soon as possible.

“This is particularly important if the person concerned is a child, is pregnant, or has an underlying health problem.”

Dr Andrew Coley, clinical advisor to the North-West strategic health authority, said: “The majority of people who catch the swine flu virus will experience mild to moderate symptoms.

“But it is vitally important that anyone who has concerns, or whose condition suddenly deteriorates or fails to improve, contacts their GP as soon as possible.”

Symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Sufferers may also experience headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or a loss of appetite.

People with chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, the over-65s and pregnant women should use the w service as soon as they have symptoms.

And parents with childrena year should call their GP if their baby has symptoms as soon as possible.

The National Pandemic Flu Service can be contacted online at www.direct .gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1513 513 for informationor 0800 1513 100 for treatment.