Sponsored by
Swine flu reassurance from local NHS
Residents of Derbyshire are being assured by the local NHS that it is business as usual in the county, after the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised its flu pandemic alert status to level 6 on Thursday.
Dr Bruce Laurence, Deputy Director of Public Health, said: "The term 'pandemic' relates to the spread of the infection, and not to its severity.
"In the UK we are seeing confirmed cases rising at an increasing rate, but the vast majority of patients have been suffering only mild, flu-like symptoms. There are still very few cases in the East Midlands, and it is not yet clear what is likely to happen in the future. One possibility is that there will be just a slow increase in the number of cases during the summer and a greater rise in the autumn and winter, which is the traditional flu season."
He stressed the local NHS was well prepared for any eventuality. Planning for a pandemic has been one of the top priorities for the NHS and preparations have been underway for more than three years.
"Developing our plans has included all key agencies from across the county, including county, city and district councils and the whole health community," he said.
"Though it is obviously significant that WHO have declared a pandemic, the UK and Derbyshire response will be based on how the infection is spreading at the national and regional level. At this stage, it is definitely business as usual in Derbyshire, where we've still only had one confirmed case. Local people should carry on with their normal activities and we will keep everyone informed if that changes."
Dr Laurence point out that people can prevent the spread of infections, including possible swine flu, by ensuring everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water and cleaning surfaces regularly.
"Everyone can prevent the virus spreading to others by always carrying tissues, using tissues to cover mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing, binning the tissues as soon as possible, and washing hands regularly."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Chesterfield
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
