The government today launched the National Pandemic Flu Service, a new online service that inform about swine flu and, if required, provide an authorisation number that can be used to collect antiviral medication. (please find the click at the end of the post)
This service is for patients who may have flu.
The purpose of this service
This service will assess the patient’s symptoms and, if required, provide an authorisation number, which can be used to collect antivirals from a local Antiviral Collection Point.
This service is only for people with high temperature and other symptoms which are likely to be caused by swine flu.
You can get more information about flu symptoms from www.nhs.uk and the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.
If you have severe symptoms which are not like flu you should contact your GP or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 in England, NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 in Scotland or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647.
What you will need to use this service
To use this service you will need the following information about the patient:
- Their date of birth
- Their current symptoms
- Their history of any serious medical conditions
- Their home address including postcode
You will also need a pen and paper to write down information we give you.
If you do not have all of these, please go and get them before carrying on with the service.
Swine flu information
To use the National Pandemic Flu service, click here
Residents of England, please go to www.nhs.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu or call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513513
Residents of Scotland, please go to www.nhs24.com .
Residents of Wales, please go to www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk or www.wales.gov.uk/health .
Residents of Northern Ireland, please go to www.dhsspsni.gov.uk or www.publichealth.hscni.net or call the Northern Ireland Swine Flu Help Line on 0800 0514142.
