Published at 10:43, Saturday, 31 October 2009

A CALL has gone out to South Cumbrians to take anti-virals if they catch swine flu – and accept vaccination if it is offered.

This comes as a vaccination programme to protect against the H1N1 virus is being rolled out in the county.

The first batches of the vaccine were delivered to Furness General Hospital and Westmorland General Hospital last week.

Frontline healthcare workers and hospital patients deemed a high risk were the first to receive it.

Deliveries of the vaccine to GP surgeries in Cumbria started on Monday but it could be around two weeks before every doctor’s surgery in the county has it.

Groups of people prioritised by NHS Cumbria to receive the vaccine are pregnant women, household contacts of immuno-compromised people – for example those living with people with cancer or HIV – and people who are already in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups.

Around 112,000 people in the county fall into those priority groups.

Vaccination is not compulsory, but the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is urging people to seize the opportunity if they are offered the swine flu vaccine.

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 October 21.

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.

“Irrespective of whether you decide to take anti-virals, you need to monitor your symptoms closely and if you fail to improve or suddenly deteriorate, telephone your GP for advice.

“And if you are in one of the groups identified as being a priority you should take up the offer of a swine flu vaccine.”

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