Swine Flu anti-viral collections reminder » Bill Payments » 24dash.com

South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) is urging people to remain cautious during the festive season and continue to support the fight against the spread of Swine Flu.

Antiviral Collection Points (ACPs) will be open during the Christmas and New Year period should people be referred to collect Swine Flu antiviral medication. Opening times for ACPs can be found at www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk or by calling the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1513 513.

John Wicks, Flu Director at South Staffordshire PCT, said: “We remain vigilant to protect people in South Staffordshire from the spread of Swine Flu and to ensure that they have access to antiviral medication.

“If people develop flu-like symptoms (including high temperature, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, joint/limb pains, diarrhoea or vomiting) then they should stay at home and not visit their GP or go directly to the nearest ACP.

“Instead they should stay at home, check their symptoms at www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk or call the information line on 0800 1513 100 when they will be assessed and if required issued with a unique reference number/authorisation number to enable a ‘flu friend’ – a relative, neighbour or friend – to collect the antiviral medicine from a nearby ACP. This is with the exception of people with chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, children under the age of five years, over 65s and pregnant women who should telephone their GP if advised to do so.

“If people have taken these steps and are still concerned they should call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

John added: “Patients are asked to provide their ‘flu friend’ with a form of identification which they should show when they collect medication. Suitable ID includes a passport, full driving licence, paid utility bill or similar. Your ‘flu friend’ will also be asked for identification.

For most people Swine Flu is a mild illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E Department.”

There are also simple steps people can use to stop the spread of the virus. Always use a tissue to catch sneezes and throw away used tissues, where germs can linger, and wash hands frequently.