After being declared as pandemic at the beginning of last month, recent data shows Swine Flu isn’t fading away, and is expected to spread even faster as we head for the autumn months and the pupils returning to school.

A second wave is expected with several millions predicted to become unwell, Intensive and Critical Care beds may struggle to cope with the demand. If the pandemic shuts our schools in the new term, there are provisional plans for the BBC to alter their schedule and to transmit educational programmes. This would mean the children would get their lessons directly into their living room.

Many reviews are being heard over the government's response to the pandemic as the UK holds one of the highest no. of infections, as over 100,000 new cases were reported just last week, with hundreds needing hospital treatment.

The government has lunched the National Pandemic Flu Service, which provides a check list for self diagnosis in order to ease the pressure on health services and the distribution of drugs at pharmacies and health centres.(Telephone No 0800 1 513 100)

The website has already experienced "unprecedented demand" - with the system receiving 2,600 hits per second - or 9.3 million hits per hour.

More than 2,000 staff have been recruited and given six-hour long training sessions before they start work, however they are not required to have any previous medical experience, which has already led to some criticism. It is expected that current nurses may redeploy to the hardest hit areas, possibly leaving their own area understaffed. However, one must keep in mind the urgency and importance of correct and early diagnose of the disease.

MyHealthPortal has also assembled important information about Swine Flu, including a symptoms list and necessary tips about how to prevent infection, especially during the next few months.  

Whilst the symptoms of swine flu remain the same, current NHS advice has changed.

READ UP ON SWINE FLU SYMPTOMS AND BE AWARE.

KEEP PARACETAMOL BASED COLD REMADIES IN THE HOME.

STAY AT HOME & MONITOR YOUR CONDITION AT THE NATIONAL PANDEMIC FLU SERVICE 0800 1 513 100.

CALL YOUR GP IF:

·        YOU HAVE UNDERLYING ILLNESS

·        YOU ARE PREGNANT

·        A CHILD UNDER ONE YEAR OF AGE

·        YOUR CONDITION SUDDENLY WORSENS

·        YOU ARE STILL GETTING WORSE AFTER 7 DAYS

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