Swine Flu Update

20 October 2009

Swine flu attacked with a vengeance in June, July and August and we were inundated with calls from patients suffering with all the classic symptoms. Many patients at this time were treated with Tamiflu.

By the end of August and during September, the situation changed dramatically and we had very few patients suffering from symptoms. However with schools returning, there have been an increased number of cases.

Children and young adults are those mainly affected and the symptoms are typically of a high fever, chills, aches and pains, some diarrhoea and a cough. The current recommendation is that patients are not treated with Tamiflu unless they are at risk such as those who suffer from asthma, heart disease, diabetes or who are pregnant. Patients who have compromised immune systems should also be treated with Tamiflu.

The Swine Flu vaccine will be available from 26 October 2009 but unfortunately the Department of Health has refused to release it to the private sector. It will initially be given to healthcare workers and those in the at risk groups and then offered to other patients. In order to obtain it, patients will either have to contact their NHS practices or register with an NHS GP.

The normal flu vaccine is available from the practice and is recommended to all those over 60 and anyone else in the high risk group.

If you do have any queries about Swine Flu or the current influenza programme, please don't hesitate to contact our practice. Further information is available from the Health Protection Agency.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are concerned.

Dr Simon Moore
MBBS DRCOG MRCGP