The antiviral distribution centre at Shelton, Shrewsbury
A steady flow of “flu friends” are calling at collection points across Shropshire to pick-up antiviral drugs for people suffering from suspected swine flu.
Over the past week more than 600 people have been to the five centres which the Shropshire County Primary Care Trust has opened in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ludlow, Bridgnorth and Whitchurch.
Since last Thursday people have been asked to call the National Pandemic Flu Service to check their symptoms if they feel they have the virus and get a unique number giving them access to antiviral drugs if necessary.
They are told where their nearest collection point is and that they should then ask a “flu friend” – a relative or friend who doesn’t have the virus – to go and collect their medication for them. This it is hoped will help stop the spread of the infection.
The “flu friend’ must show their own ID as well as that of the patient when they go to the collection point.
Staff check the authorisation number and ID to ensure it matches the information provided to them.
At the Shrewsbury centre yesterday, Mrs Kim Williams of Longden was acting as a “flu friend” for her daughter who was sent home from work after showing symptoms of the virus, and called the flu line.
“She is feeling achy, very tired and sick, and has a runny nose,” said Mrs Williams.
“I think the collection points are a good idea and will ease the pressure on doctors.”
People calling at the centre were first directed to use a hand gel to help prevent the spread of infection, and then sat down with staff who checked their details.
After being handed medication,and a leaflet explaining it, they left via a separate exit, after again using hand gel.
Tony Roberts, the trust’s advance primary care service manager, said the centres were working “very smoothly” and demand was not unduly high. He said that the antiviral drugs were not stored on the premises when they were shut.
Among the staff helping at Shrewsbury – the trust has more than 400 on rota countywide – were Jane Edwards, a health visitor, and Claire Harrison, a support worker for the Help 2 Quit programme.
“It has been quite steady so far and we have been able to talk to people and put them at ease,” said Jane. “Some people have taken out purses to pay for the medication and it’s been nice to be able to tell them there is no charge.”
Claire added: “People have had a lot of questions and have been seeking reassurance.They seem more reassured when they have spoken to us. There are a lot of mixed messages about swine flu.”
Anyone who suspects they have swine flu is advised not to go to their GP or Accident and Emergency department. But people should contact their doctor direct, rather than using the national flu line, if they have a serious underlying illness, are pregnant, have a sick child under one year old, their condition suddenly gets much worse, or if their condition is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child).
For most people, swine flu has been mild. Some find that they get better by staying in bed, drinking plenty of water, and taking over-the-counter flu medication.
By Health Correspondent Dave Morris
See Also:
Share this article:
What are these?