THE NHS in North East Lincolnshire has moved from “containment phase” to “treatment phase” regarding swine flu.

This is in line with the latest national position on the virus.

Tony Hill, the director of public health for North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus (CTP), said: “We would like to reassure people that our Swine flu plans are in place and the NHS locally is fully prepared for the changes that Andy Burnham, the secretary of state, has announced.

“There have been no confirmed cases in North East Lincolnshire to date, and the majority of swine flu cases in the region as a whole have so far been mild, with those catching the virus making a full and fast recovery.

“The most important thing that people can do to help stop the spread of swine flu is to focus on good hygiene. 

“Use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues in a bin and wash hands properly with soap and water to kill germs.

“If people think they have swine flu, they should avoid going to their GP practice or A&E. Instead, they should first go online and check their symptoms on www.nhs.uk or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1513513.

“If they are still concerned, they should then call their GP. GPs have been asked to discuss peoples symptoms over the phone and if they make a diagnosis, to arrange for antiviral drug treatment. We will no longer be swabbing patients or identifying contacts.

“The CTP has arranged a network of antiviral collection centres, initially using some local community pharmacies which have now been stocked with antiviral drugs. GPs will ask patients to arrange for a flu friend to collect their antiviral treatment from one of these collection points. 

“No prescription fee will be payable.

“I would like to stress that antiviral treatment, like any medicine does have some side effects which means that we are only giving the treatment to people with illness confirmed by their GP as swine flu. Individuals will only be able to have one course of antivirals during this pandemic.”