Swine Flu Update
The National Pandemic Flu Service was launched in July 2009. 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 a high temperature and other symptoms which are likely to be caused by swine flu.
The service can be accessed by the public through calling 0800 1 513100 or going to www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
People using the National Pandemic Flu System 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
More information about flu and the current advice can be found at www.nhs.uk and the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.
Protect Yourself Against Swine Flu
How it works
The National Pandemic Flu Service is a new self-care service which will give people with pandemic swine flu symptoms fast access to antivirals.
It is a new dedicated website (www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu) and phoneline (0800 1 513 100 or 0800 1 513 200 (Textphone) for people to check their symptoms and get a unique number which will give them access to antivirals if necessary.
If you don’t have symptoms and just want information call 0800 1 513 513.
People who have swine flu symptoms will be given a unique access number and told where their nearest antiviral collection point is.
They should then ask a flu friend – a friend or relative who doesn’t have swine flu – to go and pick up their antiviral.
The flu friend must show their own ID as well as that of the patient. That ID includes:
- Birth/Marriage Certificate
- Building Society/National Saving Book
- Cheque Book/Cheque Guarantee/Credit/Debit Card
- Child Benefit Letter
- Council Tax Payment Book
- Credit Card Statement (not older than 6 months)
- Full Driving Licence
- Healthcare Professional Registration Number and ID
- Military ID
- NHS Card
- Paid Utility Bill (not older than 6 months)
- Parent-held Record (Red Book)
- Passport/European ID Card
- Pension/Benefit Book
- Standard Acknowledgment Letter (SAL) issued by The Home Office for Asylum Seekers
- Store Charge Card (no Loyalty Card)
- Trade Union Card.