The increase in the number of swine flu cases across the UK means that we have now moved to “treatment” phase across the country. The new phase reflects the fact that the virus is spreading at a rate which can no longer be contained; we now expect to see rapid rises in the number of cases. 

NHS Wiltshire, which has well established plans in place, will take the lead in diagnosing and distributing antivirals across the county. 

People who feel unwell and who are concerned that they may have Swine Fluare able to check their symptoms on the NHS Choices online symptom checker or ring the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513. If they are still concerned they should phone their GP, who will arrange appropriate treatment.

Jeff James, Chief Executive of NHS Wiltshire said “Relative to many other areas of the UK, the number of confirmed cases in Wiltshire is low and in the vast majority of cases the virus is generally mild and people have recovered well. It is not possible to predict with certainty how the number of cases will increase over the coming weeks or months –although we do expect them to rise and that there may be an increase in cases in the autumn.  We will therefore continue to monitor the situation closely and we will modify our response as the situation changes”.

In the meantime, the advice is for everyone to follow good hygiene practices, including hand-washing and the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ principles for coughs and sneezes: 

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue whenever possible
• Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully – bag and bin them
• Maintain good hygiene – washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Clean hard surfaces (eg kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product
• Stay at home when you are unwell – if you have a cough and a fever, it is best to stay at home, the medicines to relieve the symptoms and drink plenty of fluids.  This will speed your recovery and help prevent the spread of infection to others

Jeff James added “NHS Wiltshire continues to implement our own Pandemic Flu Plan.  As the situation changes, we will publicise information via the NHS and Local Resilience Forum websites, local radio and television stations, and by contacting doctors’ surgeries and other healthcare professionals so that they can advise their patients”.