A SENIOR Bury doctor is urging people to appoint a “flu friend” in case they become ill.
Flu friends are relatives, neighbours and friends who can be asked to collect anti-viral medication or do any essential food shopping for someone who has caught flu.
This will allow the patient to recover at home and make sure they do not spread the flu to other people.
Dr May Moonan, specialty registrar in public health for NHS Bury, said: “It’s best to plan in advance, and identify a network of flu friends now. This will make life easier should you contract swine flu or seasonal flu and need help to collect essentials, including antiviral medication.
“If you think you could have swine flu, stay at home and contact the National Pandemic Flu Service to check your symptoms. If your symptoms suggest you have swine flu the helpline will talk you through the steps, including how your flu friend can access antiviral medication from a designated antiviral collection point.”
People are being reminded to protect themselves against flu by regularly washing their hands and using tissues to cover the nose and mouth.
The National Pandemic Flu Service provides information, diagnosis and access to medication at www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk or by phoning 0800 1513 100.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article