Health and Safety Update (August 2009)
National Pandemic Flu Service Goes Live
The new service aimed to relive pressure on GPs and the NHS has
gone live. The relevant contact details for England are -
http://www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
or call 0800 1 513 100
or 0800 1 513 200 (Textphone)
People who are concerned about swine flu symptoms can log on or
phone to get a unique access number. They will be told where their
nearest antiviral collection point is. A relative or friend (known
as a flu friend) can then pick up the antivirals on their
behalf.
The flu friend must show their own ID as well as that of the
patient. Authorisation numbers and ID will be checked to ensure it
matches the information provided when the assessment of symptoms
was completed.
The typical symptoms include-
- sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38C/100.4F or above),
and sudden cough.
Other symptoms may include-
- headache
- tiredness
- chills
- aching muscles
- limb or joint pain
- diarrhoea or stomach upset
- sore throat
- runny nose
- sneezing
- loss of appetite.
People should contact their doctor direct rather than using the
National Pandemic Flu Service if:
- they have a serious underlying illness
- they are pregnant
- they have a sick child under one year old
- their condition suddenly gets much worse
- if their condition is still getting worse after 7 days (5 for a
child).
Scotland
Scotland and Wales have not yet switched on their National Pandemic
Flu Service. This situation is being kept under constant review and
the Service can be opted into if needed.
People in Scotland who are worried about flu-like symptoms
should continue to contact their GP or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24
24.
Wales
If symptoms are causing concern, or people are in an at risk group
such as those with heart and lung disease, children under 5 or
pregnant women, they should phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or phone
their GP.