Find 'flu friend' call

Shropshire people are being urged to ensure they have a swine flu "friend" ready to help them if they get struck down by the virus.

The flu friend will act as a link for the patient, being asked to go and collect any anti-viral medication needed.

Today a top Shropshire doctor stressed the importance of people ensuring that they have a someone who is willing and able to act on their behalf if they contract the illness.

GPs are diagnosing people over the phone and, if necessary, will prescribe medication such as Tamiflu.

Dr Chris Weiner, a consultant in public health at NHS Telford and Wrekin, said: "With flu friends we are not talking about someone who provides day-to-day care, but someone who can pick-up anti-viral drugs on behalf of the person who has has been diagnosed as having swine flu.

"For example if I developed a fever and cough and was being prescribed Tamiflu and my wife was fit and well, she could go out into the community to collect my prescription and not risk infecting anyone else.

"Having flu friends helps reduce the risk in the community of people catching the virus, such as the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and young children."

Dr Weiner added: "At the moment, and the evidence is purely anecdotal, people are being responsible and staying at home if they are ill, and are getting family and friends to run errands for them but there are some people who have still not got the message that they should stay indoors if they are unwell.

"We are encouraging people to make sure they have someone who can act as a flu friend, such as a family member or someone they know well and can trust to pick up their medicine."

At present in Shropshire there are no immediate plans to open distribution centres for anti-viral drugs, though mock exercises have been held to test readiness for such action.

GP practices so far appear to be coping with an ever increasing number of calls over swine flu.

By Health Correspondent Dave Morris