RCGP Comment on H1N1 (Swine) Flu
25th June 2009
Dr Maureen Baker, Honorary Secretary of the
Royal College of General Practitioners, and Pandemic Planning Lead
at the RCGP, said: “A press conference was given today by the
Secretary of State for Health and the Chief Medical Officer, to
provide an update on the current H1N1 (swine) flu
pandemic.
"There are currently 3,597 laboratory
confirmed cases in the UK, with most being confirmed in the West
Midlands, London and Greater Glasgow and Clyde. These areas are now
showing higher cases of sustained community transmission and
"outbreak management" is being implemented in areas within these
‘hotspots’. This will mean that patients suffering from
flu-like symptoms will have a clinical diagnosis made by their GP
rather than through lab testing. The Royal College of General
Practitioners welcomes these developments. We feel they are
sensible and very practical for the GPs and practices in the
affected areas.
“The Department of Health has written to all
SHA Pandemic Flu Directors to clarify the procedures in their area
and where there are cases. The Government has also signed a
contract to secure enough vaccine for the whole population in the
UK, with delivery starting in August. They are now working
closely with senior health professionals to develop a strategy of
prioritisation. Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham,
also reiterated that most cases so far have been mild; that good
hand and respiratory hygiene are key to preventing spread; and that
people with flu-like symptoms should consult the online symptom
checker or call the swine flu information line on
0800 1 513 513. If they have taken these steps and are still
concerned, they should call – not visit – their GP or contact
NHS Direct (0845 4647
).
“As always, the Royal College of General
Practitioners would like to reassure patients that the UK has been
planning for flu pandemic for a number of years now, plans are in
place at local, regional and national levels and they should not
panic.”