Page updated: 26 Nov 2009
PCT issue flu friend guidance
Trafford PCT's Director of Public Health Mr Abdul Razzaq has asked people who live in the borough to remember national guidance about 'flu friends'.
Flu friends are a key part of the plan in Trafford to help people with swine flu pick up their antiviral medication and at the same time limit the spread of the virus to vulnerable groups who have chronic conditions such as cancer, heart, lung and kidney disease.
“I'd like to repeat that it is crucial that people with swine flu symptoms stay at home, and do not go themselves to collect their Tamiflu," said Abdul Razzaq.
“We've had a number of reports of poorly people turning up in person and it is important that you do not go to your accident and emergency department or your GP surgery, as you could spread the virus to vulnerable people.
“The exception to this advice is that if you are experiencing additional symptoms such as breathing difficulties or chest pain, or if your child has a rash or purple spots under the skin, you should seek urgent medical attention without delay."
A flu friend can be a neighbour, friend or family member. They will need to know the unique authorisation number given to the patient through the National Pandemic Flu Service, and take acceptable ID for themselves and for the person with swine flu.
ID accepted at the antiviral collection point includes:
- Birth / marriage certificate
- Building society or national savings book
- Cheque book
- Cheque guarantee card or credit/debit card
- Child benefit letter
- Council tax payment book
- Credit card statement (not more than 6 months old)
- Full driving license
- Healthcare professional registration number and ID card
- Military ID
- NHS card
- Paid utility bill (not more than 6 months old)
- Parent held record (red book)
- Pension / benefit book
- Standard acknowledgement letter issued by the Home Office for asylum seekers
- Store charge card (not loyalty card)
- Trade Union card
A flu friend should not be a child under 16 years of age.
Anyone who thinks they may have swine flu can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service at www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk or call 0800 1 513 100 (Minicom: 0800 1 513 200) for treatment.
If approved for antiviral medication, patients are given a unique authorisation number and details of their nearest antiviral collection point, which includes a location in a central area of Trafford that their flu friend can go to.
Swine flu symptoms are the sudden onset of fever, cough or shortness of breath, with some people experiencing headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or a loss of appetite.
People with chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, under fives, over 65s and pregnant women should use the National Pandemic Flu Service as soon as they have symptoms, and keep in touch with their GP. Parents with children under one year old should call their GP directly if their child has symptoms, as soon as possible.
Figures taken between 24 and 27 July show that the consultation rate in Trafford through the National Pandemic Flu Service was 658 per 100,000. (Source: Chief Medical Officer's report dated 30 July.)
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