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Tactics change on swine flu (From Redhill And Reigate Life)
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Tactics change on swine flu
2:38pm Monday 6th July 2009
NHS Surrey has responded swiftly to Health Secretary Andy Burnham’s announcement that Britain’s response to swine flu is changing phase from containment to treatment.
There has been a steady increase in the number of confirmed cases of swine flu in Surrey which matches the national picture. The spread of the virus has been in line with predictions and planning has enabled the trust to respond quickly and effectively.
In all Surrey cases so far, the people affected have developed a mild illness and made a full recovery. The focus is now on treatment rather than containment of the virus.
Helen Atkinson, associate director of public health at NHS Surrey, said: “This is what we’ve been predicting and preparing for. The containment phase worked well to delay the spread of the virus and succeeded in doing so even longer than initially expected.
“People who have the virus will still be offered antivirals and this decision will now be made by their clinician without having to wait for test results.
“This is a sensible and careful approach. Many people will be able to recover from swine flu without the need for antivirals and may choose not to seek treatment.
“Although we are seeing more cases there is no need to be worried by the change from containment to treatment.
“Remember, good hygiene is key. If you’ve got children, try to get them into good hand washing habits too.
“If someone has flu-like symptoms, they should stay at home and contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or phone their GP or go online and check their symptoms at www.nhs.uk.
“It’s still important that they don’t go to their surgery, A&E or a walk-in centre, because this will help limit the spread of the virus.
“The simple steps of regular hand washing and the ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it’ advice remains important.
For more information about swine flu, call 0800 1 513 513.
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