The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is aware that some people in Northern Ireland have been using the National Pandemic Flu Service to try and access antivirals. Currently this service is only available to people living in England or registered with a GP in England.
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell said: “We are aware that some members of the public in Northern Ireland are inappropriately using the National Pandemic Flu Service to gain authorisation codes for antivirals.
“Any person from Northern Ireland who goes to their pharmacy with an authorisation number will not be given antivirals. Instead they will be advised that if they have swine flu symptoms they should contact their GP or out-of-hours centre for advice.
“The current numbers of GP consultations in Northern Ireland for flu are still relatively low. The present arrangements remain the best and most appropriate way to get treatment to anyone who needs it. Northern Ireland will be able to use the National Pandemic Flu Service if the need arises at a later date. This situation is being kept under constant review.
“To avoid spreading the virus, people who think they have swine flu should stay at home and take simple measures to alleviate their symptoms such as rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol as required. If anyone is still concerned, and in particular, if they are in a higher risk group they should contact their GP.
“Anyone who is prescribed antivirals by their GP should arrange for a ‘flu friend’ to collect the medication on their behalf. People with suspected swine flu should not attend their GP surgery, out-of-hours centre, pharmacy or go to A&E.
“People can also go online for more information about their symptoms on www.nidirect.gov.uk, or call the Northern Ireland swine flu helpline on 0800 0 514 142 (9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday). Information is also available on the swine flu information line 0800 1 513 513."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. People should check their symptoms. They can do this by:
- visiting the DHSSPS Website or the nidirect website
- telephoning the Northern Ireland swine flu helpline number 0800 0514 142 which is a freephone helpline for those who want more information about swine flu. (currently runs from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
- or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1513 513.
Otherwise fit healthy people can care for themselves and recover at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol if required. If their symptoms worsen then people should contact their local GP or out-of-hours service, who will be able to provide a clinical diagnosis over the phone and offer antivirals if appropriate.
2. Some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch Swine Flu, and will need to start taking antivirals as soon as they are confirmed with the illness. We are still learning more about the risk profile of the virus, but we already know that the following people are particularly susceptible:
People with:
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease
- Immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 years and older
- Young children under five years old
It is vital that people in these higher risk groups get antivirals and start taking them as soon as possible – within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
3. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440.
