Health and social care

The National Pandemic Flu Service was launched in England, in July last year, to provide assessment and treatment for people suffering from swine flu.

With the number of swine flu cases now falling, the service will stop offering assessments at 1am on 11 February 2010.

If, after this time, you think you have swine flu symptoms, you should stay at home and contact your GP who will be able to assess you and authorise antivirals if you need them. Your GP will also be able to advise you on vaccination.

The symptoms of swine flu are a fever or a high temperature (over 38ºC/100.4ºF) and two of the following symptoms: unusual tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or cough, loss of appetite, aching muscles, diarrhoea or vomiting.

For up to date information visit www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.