THE launch of the new National Pandemic Flu Service is leading to a “significant” drop in the number of calls to both GPs and NHS Direct, according to the South West Strategic Health Authority.
In the second issue of their Flu Update leaflet, the authority has reported that more people suffering from flu or flu-like symptoms are using the service to check their symptoms, get advice and be prescribed antivirals when necessary.
A total of 3,740 people in the South West were prescribed antivirals through the service on Wednesday, July 29, with 2,890 people collecting them. This does not necessarily mean all these people have swine flu, but they have flu or flu-like symptoms.
There are also 64 people in hospital with flu or flu-like symptoms across the region. Latest figures show 125 people per 100,000 living in Dorset attended GP practices showing flu or flu-like symptoms.
Antiviral collection points have been set up in the area to allow “flu friends” to collect Tamiflu prescriptions. Once a prescription has been issued, the patient will be given details of their nearest collection points.
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