New swine flu strategy in place

Jul 10 2009 by Lisa Boyle

SWINE flu is being tackled differently.

The strategy is moving from a containment phase to a treatment phase.

The decision has been taken by all four UK health ministers as a result of the number of cases and widespread community transmission.

There will be an end to routine testing and a move to surveillance, with numbers reported regionally on a weekly basis – similar to the current seasonal flu reporting.

Dr Carol Davidson, director of public health, said: “The change in strategy does not mean that the virus is getting more severe or that there is any cause for alarm.

“It simply means that we are seeing a rise in the number of cases and adapting our approach to dealing with these.

“As little was known about the new flu virus when the outbreak started, it was sensible to take all necessary precautions to try and slow its spread while we learned more about it.

“During the containment phase, we have been able to study the characteristics of the new virus, to build up medical supplies, and to make significant progress towards developing a vaccine.”

If you have flu-like symptoms – that is, a temperature of 38 degrees or more and a flu-like illness such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, limb/joint pain, or headache – contact your own GP or NHS 24 on 0845 4242424 for advice.