Published at 13:09, Monday, 02 November 2009

PEOPLE in Cumbria are being urged to take swine flu seriously.

As the number of reported cases in the North West dropped slightly this week, NHS health officials want people to continue to be on the look out for symptoms.

Since the launch of the National Pandemic Flu Service at the end of July, 190,605 people in the North West have been diagnosed with swine flu and 131,714 people have collected anti-viral medication.

The number diagnosed on October 28 was 2,147 compared to 2,376 on October 21. On October 28, 1,521 people collected anti-viral medication compared to 1,783 on 21 October.

Latest figures also show that 14 people have died as a result of swine flu in the North West since the outbreak of the swine flu virus in April.

Dr Ruth Hussey, director of public health for NHS North West, said: “I would urge people to take swine flu seriously. I fully understand that some people who catch swine flu who are normally healthy are deciding not to take anti-viral medication but anti-virals are the best weapon we have for reducing the risk of complications from swine flu.”

For more information, contact the National Pandemic Flu Service at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1 513 513.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk