A top public health expert in Shropshire today urged people with flu-like symptoms to stay at home, after the county’s first case of swine flu was confirmed.

And experts are warning people not to panic or be alarmed after the case, a woman from Telford who had recently returned from the USA, was revealed to be one of 41 new ones across the UK.

Dr Catherine Woodward, director of health improvement at NHS Telford and Wrekin, said people should stay at home, not go to their GP surgery and instead seek advice over the phone.

She said: “It’s important that people who are suffering from flu-like symptoms, including people who have recently returned from abroad, should not go to their GP.

“Instead, they should stay at home, contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or phone their local GP surgery for more advice. They should drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol to relieve any symptoms they may have.”

And she warned: “People who smoke are at greater risk of respiratory disease and may be at greater risk of catching the flu virus.”

Dr Gill Clements, medical director with Shropshire’s out-of-hours medical service Shropdoc, said it would continue to provide help and support for people who are anxious and would provide treatment as advised by the Health Protection Agency.

“We are prepared to deal with any problems that may arise when surgeries are closed,” she said.

Nicki Blackburn, practice manager for Lawley Medical Practice in Telford, said: “The bottom line is just to carry tissues and if you sneeze, to cover your mouth and to always wash your hands so basically just good hygiene.

“People should not panic. There’s no need to panic and we have got lots of information in the practices.”

Martin Cousins, practice manager at the Riverside Medical Practice in Shrewsbury, added: “There’s no cause for alarm. At present there’s a small number of cases in the country compared to the population.

“People should follow their usual hygiene practices like washing hands and using tissues and disposing of them properly.

“If you do have any flu symptoms don’t go out, don’t go to the GP and stay at home.”

Swine Flu Symptoms

They are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications.

The virus is spread in exactly the same way as ordinary colds and flu.

Symptoms can include:

• Sore throat.

• Sudden fever or a sudden cough.

• Headache.

• Tiredness.

• Chills.

• Aching muscles.

• Limb or joint pain.

• Diarrhoea or stomach upset.

• Runny nose.

• Loss of appetite.

By Dave Morris and John Kirk