Swine Flu Briefings
From: Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health
Date: Monday 30th November 2009
Briefing number: 53
Update on activity
From tomorrow (Tuesday 1st December) the three current antiviral collection points in Worcestershire will be closed, and six new ones will be opened in pharmacies across the county.
The new ACPs will be located in pharmacies in Bromsgrove, Evesham, Kidderminster, Malvern, Redditch and Worcester and will operate under the usual opening hours of each pharmacy.
The six locations are:
Knights Chemist, 36 Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove
Stewarts Pharmacy, Waterside Pharmacy, Evesham
Tesco instore Pharmacy, Tesco Superstore,Castle St, Kidderminster
Boots the Chemist, Enigma Retail Park, Malvern
Knights Chemist, 434 Evesham Road, Redditch
Tesco Instore Pharmacy, Millwood Drive, Warndon, Worcester.
These changes mean that our response to the pandemic can continue over a longer period, with less of a direct impact on NHS staff who up until now have been running the three previous ACP sites within Worcestershire.
These six new ACPs located at pharmacies will also be more convenient for flu friends, offering a greater choice of location and longer opening hours.
Locally the number of courses of antiviral medication being issued has been steady at around 50 to 100 per day, with also around 50-100 people per day consulting GPs with flu like illnesses.
The latest national data suggests that we may not see a concentrated second peak of cases but that the virus will continue to circulate throughout the winter. The ‘worst-case clinical attack rate’ has been moderated downwards from 30% to 12% between now and the end of the normal flu season.
Worldwide the virus has remained stable so far and is still relatively mild for most people. It does however cause more severe illness and even death in a small proportion of people and there is still the possibility that the virus may change and become more serious.
Vaccination
The second phase of swine flu vaccination sessions for health and social care staff started last week and will run until Monday 14th December.
The first phase of the staff vaccination programme started at the end of October with the first batch of vaccines being used for those people in the Department of Health’s national priority groups. Frontline health and social care staff have been one of the first groups offered vaccinations as part of a national programme to maximise the resilience of the NHS and social care services in the event of a further pandemic.
Drop-in vaccination clinics for frontline health and social care staff have been held over the last two weeks across the county in addition to vaccination through the occupational health service.
All GPs in Worcestershire have now received batches of the vaccines and have begun vaccinating members of the public in priority groups.
At the moment the priority groups for vaccination in order remain:
1. People aged over six months to 65 years of age in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups
2. All pregnant women, subject to licensing conditions on trimesters
3. Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer
4. People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 3.5 million people). This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.
The Department of Health (DH) has announced that the next phase of the swine flu immunisation campaign will target all children aged between 6 months and 5 years of age. We are awaiting further details from the DH as to when this will start.
Current response
Otherwise healthy people who catch flu do not normally need to see their GP. Where symptoms are mild they can manage themselves at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for aches and pains. Alternatively they can call the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) if they feel particularly unwell.
People most at risk from swine flu include infants under one, people with serious immune problems – either due to disease or treatment and pregnant women. Patients in these groups who develop flu symptoms should call their GP promptly for assessment.
Younger children, people with underlying health problems like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes, and older people are also at increased risk from swine flu. Parents of children aged one to five who develops symptoms, or adults with a long term health problem or are over 65 who think they have flu should call the NPFS promptly for assessment. Alternatively they should call their GP if their condition is deteriorating.
Patients who are prescribed antiviral treatment will be given a Unique Authorisation Number and asked to send a Flu Friend to an Antiviral Collection Point (ACP) to collect the medication.
The response and forward planning for swine flu continues to place considerable pressure on NHS Worcestershire and we are continuing to redeploy staff away from their normal roles.
Forward planning
· National planning assumptions have been revised and now predict that 12% of the population will be affected (down from 30%).
· Local hospitals are already facing pressure from an increase in emergency medical admissions. These are largely unrelated to swine flu. The local NHS remains on high alert to ensure that we are able to cope with the combined effects of swine flu, seasonal flu, other respiratory viruses norovirus and cold weather.
Further information
· National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
· Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1513513
Swine Flu information can now be downloaded in a range of languages and formats from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Otherlanguages.aspx
· Public information leaflets/ posters: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098685
· NHS Worcestershire: www.worcestershire.nhs.uk
From: Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health
Date: Friday 13th November 2009
Briefing number: 52
Update on activity
Locally the number of courses of antiviral medication being issued has been steady at around 100 per day, with around 50-100 people daily consulting GPs with flu like illnesses.
The latest national data suggests that we may not see a concentrated second peak of cases but that the virus will continue to circulate throughout the winter. The ‘worst-case clinical attack rate’ has been moderated downwards from 30% to 12% between now and the end of the normal flu season.
Worldwide the virus has remained stable so far and is still relatively mild for most people. It does however cause more severe illness and even death in a small proportion of people and there is still the possibility that the virus may change and become more serious.
Patients can send their flu friends to pick up medication from the Worcester, Redditch and Kidderminster sites during the following revised hours:
Kidderminster: 9.30am to 12.30pm (Monday to Friday)
Redditch: 1.30pm to 4.30pm (Monday to Friday)
Worcester: 5pm to 7pm (Monday to Friday) and 10am to 4pm (Saturday and Sunday)
The number, locations and opening times of ACPs continue to be constantly reviewed in light of the number of flu cases.
Vaccination
The Swine Flu vaccination programme started at the end of October with the first batch of vaccines being used for those people in the Department of Health’s national priority groups. Frontline health and social care staff have been one of the first groups offered vaccinations as part of a national programme to maximise the resilience of the NHS and social care services in the event of a further pandemic.
Drop-in vaccination clinics for frontline health and social care staff have been held over the last two weeks across the county in addition to vaccination through the occupational health service. We have vaccinated nearly 3,000 health and social care staff to date and are looking at the feasibility of holding further clinics over the coming weeks.
All GPs in Worcestershire have now received batches of the vaccines and have begun vaccinating members of the public in priority groups.
A decision is pending nationally about whether the vaccination programme will be extended – for example to school children.
At the moment the priority groups for vaccination in order remain:
1. People aged over six months to 65 years of age in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups
2. All pregnant women, subject to licensing conditions on trimesters
3. Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer
4. People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 3.5 million people). This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.
Current response
Otherwise healthy people who catch flu do not normally need to see their GP. Where symptoms are mild they can manage themselves at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for aches and pains. Alternatively they can call the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) if they feel particularly unwell.
People most at risk from swine flu include infants under one, people with serious immune problems – either due to disease or treatment and pregnant women. Patients in these groups who develop flu symptoms should call their GP promptly for assessment.
Younger children, people with underlying health problems like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes, and older people are also at increased risk from swine flu. Parents of children aged one to five who develops symptoms, or adults with a long term health problem or are over 65 who think they have flu should call the NPFS promptly for assessment. Alternatively they should call their GP if their condition is deteriorating.
Patients who are prescribed antiviral treatment will be given a Unique Authorisation Number and asked to send a Flu Friend to an Antiviral Collection Point (ACP) to collect the medication.
The response and forward planning for swine flu continues to place considerable pressure on NHS Worcestershire and we are continuing to redeploy staff away from their normal roles.
Forward planning
· National planning assumptions have been revised and now predict that 12% of the population will be affected (down from 30%).
· Local hospitals are already facing pressure from an increase in emergency medical admissions. These are largely unrelated to swine flu. The local NHS remains on high alert to ensure that we are able to cope with the combined effects of swine flu, seasonal flu, other respiratory viruses norovirus and cold weather.
Further information
· National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
· Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1513513
Swine Flu information can now be downloaded in a range of languages and formats from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Otherlanguages.aspx
· Public information leaflets/ posters: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098685
· NHS Worcestershire: www.worcestershire.nhs.uk
Information about ACPs: http://www.worcestershire.nhs.uk/default.aspx?pid=260
From: Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health
Date: Thursday 8th October 2009
Briefing number: 51
Update on activity
Locally we have seen a slight increase in the number of courses of antiviral medication being issued. As a result the decision has been taken to re-open two of the Antiviral Collection Points (ACPs) in Worcestershire following an increase in the number of courses of antiviral medication being issued in Worcester.
As of Monday (12th October) patients will be able to send their flu friends to pick up medication from the Worcester, Redditch and Kidderminster sites during the following revised hours:
Kidderminster: 9.30am to 12.30pm (Monday to Friday)
Redditch: 1.30pm to 4.30pm (Monday to Friday)
Worcester: 5pm to 7pm (Monday to Friday) and 10am to 4pm (Saturday and Sunday)
The number, locations and opening times of ACPs will be kept under constant review in light of the number of flu cases.
Vaccination
We are expecting the swine flu vaccine to be available towards the end of October.
The priority groups for vaccination in order will be:
1. People aged over six months to 65 years of age in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups
2. All pregnant women, subject to licensing conditions on trimesters
3. Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer
4. People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 3.5 million people). This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.
In addition to these groups, frontline health and social care workers will be offered the vaccine at the same time as the first clinical risk group. This will include NHS workers with direct patient care and Social Care staff involved in personal care. The aim is to protect both staff and the vulnerable patients that they come in contact with.
Eligible Social Care staff can contact commsunit@worcestershire.gov.uk for further information about the vaccination programme
Depending on how much vaccine is available initially we may need to stagger vaccination of staff with highest priority groups vaccinated first.
Further guidance is expected about extension of vaccination beyond these initial priority groups.
Current response
Otherwise healthy people who catch flu do not normally need to see their GP. Where symptoms are mild they can manage themselves at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for aches and pains. Alternatively they can call the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) if they feel particularly unwell.
People most at risk from swine flu include infants under one, people with serious immune problems – either due to disease or treatment and pregnant women. Patients in these groups who develop flu symptoms should call their GP promptly for assessment.
Younger children, people with underlying health problems like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes, and older people are also at increased risk from swine flu. Parents of children aged one to five who develops symptoms, or adults with a long term health problem or are over 65 who think they have flu should call the NPFS promptly for assessment. Alternatively they should call their GP if their condition is deteriorating.
Patients who are prescribed antiviral treatment will be given a Unique Authorisation Number and asked to send a Flu Friend to an Antiviral Collection Point (ACP) to collect the medication.
The response and forward planning for swine flu continues to place considerable pressure on NHS Worcestershire and we are continuing to redeploy staff away from their normal roles.
Forward planning
· National planning assumptions remain that the virus will continue circulate throughout the autumn and winter and that 30% of the population will be affected. However the course of the pandemic remains unpredictable.
· Swine flu remains mild in the majority of people. National planning assumptions are for an overall hospitalisation rate of 1% and an overall mortality rate of 1 in a 1,000 - note that these figures will be lower in healthy individuals.
· The NHS is facing potentially serious pressures this winter as a result of the combined effects of swine flu, seasonal flu, other respiratory viruses and cold weather. This means that large numbers of people may require care in the community and in hospital and planning is at an advanced stage for how the NHS and social care will cope with this.
Further information
· National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
· Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1513513
Swine Flu information can now be downloaded in a range of languages and formats from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Otherlanguages.aspx
· Public information leaflets/ posters: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098685
· NHS Worcestershire: www.worcestershire.nhs.uk
Information about ACPs: http://www.worcestershire.nhs.uk/default.aspx?pid=260
From: Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health
Date: Friday 18th September 2009
Briefing number: 50
Update on activity
The number of flu cases in Worcestershire remains at low levels – we are currently issuing under fifty courses of antiviral treatment daily.
As a result the decision has been taken to close the Kidderminster and Redditch Antiviral Collection Points from Monday 21st September.
The ACP at Worcester will remain open and operate at the following times: 9.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday
Staff shift times are 9am to 5pm and 4.30pm to 7.30pm Monday to Friday, and 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday.
The number, locations and opening times of ACPs will be kept under constant review in light of the number of flu cases. In the event that demand for antivirals across the county increases, the Kidderminster and Redditch ACPs have the potential to reopen again within 24 hours.
Vaccination
We are expecting the swine flu vaccine to be available towards the end of October.
The vaccine is effective and safe and should reduce both the number and severity of flu cases.
The priority groups for vaccination in order will be:
1. People aged over six months to 65 years of age in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups
2. All pregnant women, subject to licensing conditions on trimesters
3. Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer
4. People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 3.5 million people). This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.
In addition to these groups, frontline health and social care workers will be offered the vaccine at the same time as the first clinical risk group. This will include NHS workers with direct patient care and Social Care staff involved in personal care. The aim is to protect both staff and the vulnerable patients that they come in contact with.
NHS staff eligible for vaccination are those who have regular clinical contact with patients and who are directly involved in patient care. This includes doctors, dentists, midwives and nurses, paramedics and ambulance drivers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and radiographers. Receptionists ward clerks, porters and cleaners who have limited patient contact would not be offered immunisation.
Further guidance is expected about extension of vaccination beyond these initial priority groups.
Current response
Otherwise healthy people who catch flu do not normally need to see their GP. Where symptoms are mild they can manage themselves at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for aches and pains. Alternatively they can call the NPFS if they feel particularly unwell.
People most at risk from swine flu include infants under one, people with serious immune problems – either due to disease or treatment and pregnant women. Patients in these groups who develop flu symptoms should call their GP promptly for assessment.
Younger children, people with underlying health problems like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes, and older people are also at increased risk from swine flu. Parents of children aged one to five who develops symptoms, or adults with a long term health problem or are over 65 who think they have flu should call the NPFS promptly for assessment. Alternatively they should call their GP if their condition is deteriorating.
Patients who are prescribed antiviral treatment will be given a Unique Authorisation Number and asked to send a Flu Friend to an Antiviral Collection Point (ACP) to collect the medication.
The response and forward planning for swine flu continues to place considerable pressure on NHS Worcestershire and we are continuing to redeploy staff away from their normal roles.
Forward planning
· National planning assumptions remain that the virus will return in the autumn and winter and that 30% of the population will be affected. However the course of the pandemic remains unpredictable.
· Swine flu remains mild in the majority of people. National planning assumptions are for an overall hospitalisation rate of 1% and an overall mortality rate of 1 in a 1,000 - note that these figures will be lower in healthy individuals.
· However NHS is facing potentially serious pressures this winter as a result of the combined effects of swine flu, seasonal flu, other respiratory viruses and cold weather. This means that large numbers of people may require care in the community and in hospital.
Further information
· National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
· Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1513513
Swine Flu information can now be downloaded in a range of languages and formats from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Otherlanguages.aspx
· Public information leaflets/ posters: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098685
· NHS Worcestershire: www.worcestershire.nhs.uk
From: Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health
Date: Friday 21st August 2009
Briefing number: 49
Update on activity
There continues to be a steady drop in the number of flu cases in Worcestershire – we are currently issuing under 100 courses of antiviral treatment daily.
Opening times of the ACPs are therefore:
Worcester – 9.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday
Redditch – 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and closed at weekends
Kidderminster – 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and closed at weekends
The number, locations and opening times of ACPs will be kept under constant review in light of the number of flu cases.
Vaccination
Further details of the swine flu vaccination policy were announced by the Secretary of State for Health on Thursday, August 13. The campaign will not begin before October 2009 and each person will need two vaccinations at least three weeks apart.
The priority groups for vaccination in order will be:
1. People aged over six months to 65 years of age in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups
2. All pregnant women, subject to licensing conditions on trimesters
3. Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer
4. People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 3.5 million people). This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.
In addition to these groups, frontline health and social care workers will be offered the vaccine at the same time as the first clinical risk group. This will include NHS workers with direct patient care and Social Care staff involved in personal care. The aim is to protect both staff and the vulnerable patients that they come in contact with.
Social care staff that are employed to provide personal care to children and adults, both in care homes and in the community will be offered the swine flu vaccination. Eligible staff includes care home staff, domiciliary care workers and personal assistants who provide personal care. Groups unlikely to be eligible include social workers, informal carers (family members and/or friends), non care staff in residential/nursing homes, housing staff, those working in safeguarding and foster carers.
Further guidance is expected about extension of vaccination beyond these initial priority groups.
Current response
Otherwise healthy people who catch flu do not normally need to see their GP. Where symptoms are mild they can manage themselves at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for aches and pains. Alternatively they can call the NPFS if they feel particularly unwell.
People most at risk from swine flu include infants under one, people with serious immune problems – either due to disease or treatment and pregnant women. Patients in these groups who develop flu symptoms should call their GP promptly for assessment.
Younger children, people with underlying health problems like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes, and older people are also at increased risk from swine flu. Parents of children aged one to five who develops symptoms, or adults with a long term health problem or are over 65 who think they have flu should call the NPFS promptly for assessment. Alternatively they should call their GP if their condition is deteriorating.
Patients who are prescribed antiviral treatment will be given a Unique Authorisation Number and asked to send a Flu Friend to an Antiviral Collection Point (ACP) to collect the medication.
The response and forward planning for swine flu continues to place considerable pressure on NHS Worcestershire and we are continuing to redeploy staff away from their normal roles.
Forward planning
• National planning assumptions remain that the virus will return in the autumn and winter and that 30% of the population will be affected. However the course of the pandemic remains unpredictable.
• The illness remains mild in the majority of people. National planning assumptions are for an overall hospitalisation rate of 2% and an overall mortality rate of between 1 in 300 and 1 in a 1,000 - note that these figures will be lower in healthy individuals.
Further information
• National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
• Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1513513
Swine Flu information can now be downloaded in a range of languages and formats from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Otherlanguages.aspx
• Public information leaflets/ posters: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098685
• NHS Worcestershire: www.worcestershire.nhs.uk
Information about ACPs: http://www.worcestershire.nhs.uk/default.aspx?pid=260
From: Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health
Date: Tuesday 11th August 2009
Briefing number: 46
Update on activity
Following a decrease in the number of courses of antiviral medication being issued the Antiviral Collection Point (ACP) at Pershore will be closed for the moment and the opening hours of the county’s other three ACPs will be reduced.
From tomorrow, Worcester ACP will be open from 9.30am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
Kidderminster and Redditch ACPs will be open from 12.30pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and from 12.30pm to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
The number of cases has decreased in the last week.
The weekly GP consultation rate for flu in Worcestershire is around 80 per 100,000.
The number of assessments through the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) for Worcestershire residents is around 300 daily.
We are currently issuing 150-200 courses of antiviral treatment daily.
A small number of patients have been admitted to hospital.
Current response
Otherwise healthy people who catch flu do not normally need to see their GP. Where symptoms are mild they can manage themselves at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for aches and pains. Alternatively they can call the NPFS if they feel particularly unwell.
People most at risk from swine flu include infants under one, people with serious immune problems – either due to disease or treatment and pregnant women. Patients in these groups who develop flu symptoms should call their GP promptly for assessment.
Younger children, people with underlying health problems like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes, and older people are also at increased risk from swine flu. Parents of children aged one to five who develops symptoms, or adults with a long term health problem or are over 65 who think they have flu should call the NPFS promptly for assessment. Alternatively they should call their GP if their condition is deteriorating.
Patients who are prescribed antiviral treatment will be given a Unique Authorisation Number and asked to send a Flu Friend to an Antiviral Collection Point (ACP) to collect the medication.
The response and forward planning for swine flu continues to place considerable pressure on NHS Worcestershire and we are continuing to redeploy staff away from their normal roles.
Forward planning
· National planning assumptions remain that the virus will return in the autumn and winter and that 30% of the population will be affected. However the course of the pandemic remains unpredictable.
· The illness remains mild in the majority of people. National planning assumptions are for an overall hospitalisation rate of 2% and an overall mortality rate of between 1 in 300 and 1 in a 1,000 - note that these figures will be lower in healthy individuals.
· We need to use the current lull in activity to ensure that we are prepared should the number of cases to escalate and to plan to vaccinate the population.
· We expect the first batches of vaccines to arrive after August, with around 60 million doses available by the end of the year - and more following after that.
· National policy on vaccination has yet to be finally determined - however we are expecting that the first tranche of vaccines will be for frontline health and social care staff, followed by people in vulnerable groups and then the rest of the population
Further information
National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1 513 100 or http://www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1 513 513
Swine Flu information can now be downloaded in a range of languages and formats from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Otherlanguages.aspx
Public information leaflets/ posters: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098685
NHS Worcestershire: www.worcestershire.nhs.uk
Information about ACPs: http://www.worcestershire.nhs.uk/default.aspx?pid=260
From: Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health
Date: Friday 7th August 2009
Briefing number: 45
Update on activity
The number of cases has decreased significantly in the last week.
The weekly GP consultation rate for flu has fallen from 260 to 80 per 100,000.
The number of assessments though the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) has fallen from over 400 to around 300 daily.
We are currently issuing around 200 courses of antiviral treatment daily, down from 300 last week.
A small number of patients have been admitted to hospital.
Current response
Otherwise healthy people who catch flu do not normally need to see their GP. Where symptoms are mild they can manage themselves at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for aches and pains. Alternatively they can call the NPFS if they feel particularly unwell.
People most at risk from swine flu include infants under one, people with serious immune problems – either due to disease or treatment and pregnant women. Patients in these groups who develop flu symptoms should call their GP promptly for assessment.
Younger children, people with underlying health problems like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes, and older people are also at increased risk from swine flu. Parents of children aged one to five who develops symptoms, or adults with a long term health problem or are over 65 who think they have flu should call the NPFS promptly for assessment. Alternatively they should call their GP if their condition is deteriorating.
Patients who are prescribed antiviral treatment will be given a Unique Authorisation Number and asked to send a Flu Friend to an Antiviral Collection Point (ACP) to collect the medication.
We now have four ACPs open - in Worcester, Kidderminster, Redditch and Pershore. Worcester ACP is open from 09.00 to 19.30. The other ACPs are open from 12.30 to 19.30. Further information can be found at http://www.worcestershire.nhs.uk/default.aspx?pid=260
The response and forward planning for swine flu continues to place considerable pressure on NHS Worcestershire and we are continuing to redeploy staff away from their normal roles.
Staff who are asymptomatic (not displaying symptoms), including those who have been in contact with cases of swine flu, can continue to work as normal. However, they should stay off work and contact the NPFS on 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu if they develop symptoms themselves.
Forward planning
· National planning assumptions remain that the virus will return in the autumn and winter and that 30% of the population will be affected. However the course of the pandemic remains unpredictable.
· The illness remains mild in the majority of people. National planning assumptions are for an overall hospitalisation rate of 2% and an overall mortality rate of between 1 in 300 and 1 in a 1,000 - note that these figures will be lower in healthy individuals.
· We expect the first batches of vaccines to arrive in August, with around 60 million doses available by the end of the year - and more following after that.
· National policy on vaccination has yet to be finally determined - however we are expecting that the first tranche of vaccines will be for frontline health and social care staff, followed by people in vulnerable groups and then the rest of the population
Further information
· National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
· Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1513513
Swine Flu information can now be downloaded in a range of languages and formats from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Otherlanguages.aspx
· Public information leaflets/ posters: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098685
· NHS Worcestershire: www.worcestershire.nhs.uk
From: Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health
Date: Friday 31 July 2009
Briefing number: 44
PLEASE NOTE: Swine flu briefings will now be sent out twice a week until further notice
The National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) launched last week. Patients with flu symptoms can now call 0800 1 513 100 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu to access antivirals. If they are prescribed antivirals, they will be given a Unique Authorisation Number and asked to send a flu friend to an Antiviral Collection Point (ACP) to collect the medication. We currently have three ACPs open in Worcester, Kidderminster and Redditch. We will be opening a 4th in Pershore from Monday, followed by further ACPs as required.
Patients who do not have a Flu Friend will be asked to contact their PCT to make alternative arrangements for the delivery of their antiviral medication. If you pick up a call from a member of the public wishing to access antivirals, ask them to call the Worcestershire Flu Triage Co-ordination Centre (WFTCC) on 01562 513000
The pressure on GPs does seem to have eased a little since the NPFS went live. However, if the volume of calls rises they may have to suspend some of their routine clinics. We need to try and put this off as long as possible by encouraging people to use services sensibly.
Otherwise healthy people who catch flu do not normally need to see their GP. Where symptoms are mild they can manage themselves at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for aches and pains. Alternatively they can call the NPFS if they feel particularly unwell.
Patients most at highest risk from swine flu include infants under one, people with serious immune problems and pregnant women. They are advised to contact their GP if they develop symptoms.
Other patients at risk from swine flu include children aged one to five, long term conditions and over 65. They are advised to contact the NPFS or their GP directly if their condition is deteriorating.
Summary of cases and response
· National planning assumptions are that 30% of the population will be affected in a first wave this autumn. However the course of the pandemic remains unpredictable.
· The illness remains mild in the majority of people. National planning assumptions are for an overall hospitalisation rate of 2% and an overall mortality rate of 0.1-0.35% - note that these figures will be much lower in healthy individuals.
· We expect the first batches of vaccines to arrive in August, with around 60 million doses available by the end of the year - and more following after that.
· Because of the pressure on NHS Worcestershire from dealing with swine flu cases, we are increasingly deploying staff in support of the flu response and it is inevitable that aspects of normal business will need to be suspended.
· Staff who are asymptomatic (not displaying symptoms), including those who have been in contact with cases of swine flu, can continue to work as normal. However, they should stay off work and contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu if they develop symptoms themselves.
· Swine Flu information can now be downloaded in a range of languages and formats from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Otherlanguages.aspx
Further information
· National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
· Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1513513
· Public information leaflets/ posters: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098685
· NHS Worcestershire: www.worcestershire.nhs.uk
SWINE FLU: BRIEFING FOR STAKEHOLDERS
From: Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health
Date: Wednesday 29th July 2009
Briefing number: 43
PLEASE NOTE: Swine flu briefings will now be sent out twice a week until further notice
* The National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) launched last week. Patients with flu symptoms can now call 0800 1 513 100 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu to access antivirals.
* If they are prescribed antivirals, they will be given an Authorisation Number and asked to send a flu friend to an Antiviral Collection Point to collect the medication.
* We currently have three ACPs open in Worcester, Kidderminster and Redditch. We will be opening a 4th in Pershore from Monday, followed by further ACPs as required.
* The pressure on GPs does seem to have eased a little since the NPFS went live. However, if the volume of calls rises they may have to suspend some of their routine clinics. We need to try and put this off as long as possible by encouraging people to use services sensibly.
* Otherwise healthy people who catch flu do not normally need to see their GP. Where symptoms are mild they can manage themselves at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol for aches and pains. Alternatively they can call the NPFS if they feel particularly unwell.
* People who may be at risk from flu include children under five, people with serious immune problems – either due to disease or treatment pregnant women and people with underlying health problems like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes. If they develop symptoms they should call the NPFS promptly for assessment. Parents of children under one, pregnant women and people with serious immune problems should call their GP directly.
Summary of cases and response
· National planning assumptions are that 30% of the population will be affected in a first wave this autumn. However the course of the pandemic remains unpredictable.
· The illness remains mild in the majority of people. National planning assumptions are for an overall hospitalisation rate of 2% and an overall mortality rate of 0.1-0.35% - note that these figures will be much lower in healthy individuals.
· We expect the first batches of vaccines to arrive in August, with around 60 million doses available by the end of the year - and more following after that.
· Because of the pressure on NHS Worcestershire from dealing with swine flu cases, we are increasingly deploying staff in support of the flu response and it is inevitable that aspects of normal business will need to be suspended.
· Staff who are asymptomatic (not displaying symptoms), including those who have been in contact with cases of swine flu, can continue to work as normal. However, they should stay off work and contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu if they develop symptoms themselves.
· Swine Flu information can now be downloaded in a range of languages and formats from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pandemic-flu/Pages/Otherlanguages.aspx
Further information
· National Pandemic Flu Service 0800 1 513 100 or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
· Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1513513
· Public information leaflets/ posters: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098685
· NHS Worcestershire: www.worcestershire.nhs.uk
SWINE FLU: BRIEFING FOR STAKEHOLDERS
From: Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health
Date: Tuesday 21st July 2009
Briefing number: 41
PLEASE NOTE: Swine flu briefings will now be sent out twice a week (Tuesday and Friday) until further notice
The National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) is expected to be implemented from the end of this week, although an exact day has not yet been announced. The NPFS will comprise of:
1. Web and telephony services to support the assessment of a patient’s symptoms and their need for antivirals.
2. Antiviral collection points (ACPs) for the issue of antivirals
NHS Worcestershire is preparing to open three dedicated ACPs on Thursday to distribute antivirals to the flu friends of patients who have been assessed by the NPFS.
We also have 17 pharmacies across the county designated as ACPs for the flu friends of patients who have been assessed by their GP.
GPs are coming under increasing pressure from the number of telephone calls they are receiving. If this pressure continues they may have to suspend some of their routine clinics. We need to try and put this off as long as possible by encouraging people to use services sensibly.
We are using the media to encourage patients to think twice before calling their GP. The key messages are:
· Most people who catch swine flu will not suffer a serious illness, although they may feel unwell for about a week.
· The patients who are at risk of complications include people over 65, children under 5, people with long term health problems like diabetes, lung disease or heart disease.
· Those patients who are at risk and develop flu symptoms should contact NHS Direct or their GP straight away for advice and assessment. They will be issued with Tamiflu if they need it.
· Otherwise healthy people who develop flu symptoms only need to contact health services if they feel really poorly.
· Healthy people with mild symptoms don’t really need Tamiflu and can manage themselves at home with rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking paracetamol to ease aches and pains.
· Although Tamiflu is a safe drug it does have side effects and healthy people who don’t really need maybe exposing themselves to side effects unnecessarily.
Summary of cases and response
The number of cases continues to rise. There have now been approaching 100,000 cases in the UK and experience shows that it is not substantially more severe than seasonal flu - therefore for most individuals the virus does not pose a significant risk of complications.
Planning assumptions at the moment are for one third of the population to be affected in a first wave – this is a worst plausible case scenario.
Schools with cases will not normally be closed.
We expect the first batches of vaccines to arrive in August, with around 60 million doses available by the end of the year - and more following after that.
The health service and local partners are asked to continue to give the highest priority to completing and implementing plans to respond to a flu pandemic.
NHS Worcestershire is continuing to work with local GPs, the Acute and Mental Health Trusts, County Council and other partners to implement plans for managing flu patients.
Because of the pressure on NHS Worcestershire from dealing with swine flu cases, we are continuing to deploy managerial and administrative staff in support of the flu response over the next few weeks and aspects of normal business are increasingly being suspended.
Staff who are asymptomatic (not displaying symptoms), including those who have been in contact with cases of swine flu, can continue to work as normal. However, they should stay off work and contact NHS Direct, or their GP by phone if they develop flu themselves.
There is no need to close places of work with cases or take any special precautions unless advised to do so by the Health Protection Agency.
Further information
· Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1513513
· Public information leaflets/ posters: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098685
· NHS Worcestershire: www.worcestershire.nhs.uk
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
SWINE FLU: BRIEFING FOR STAKEHOLDERS
From: Dr Richard Harling, Director of Public Health, Worcestershire PCT
Briefing number: 27
Summary of cases and response
The WHO pandemic flu Alert Level is now at Level 6, signalling a global flu pandemic. This means that the swine flu virus is spreading in at least two regions of the world. It does not mean that the virus is causing more severe illness or more deaths.
A total of 3,254 swine flu cases have now been confirmed in the UK. This includes 1,243 in the West Midlands and 37 in Worcestershire.
Nunnery Wood High School has re-opened today.
Two cases have been confirmed at Stanley Road school. However these were not acquired at school, have not been at school whilst symptomatic and there is no evidence of further transmission within the school at this time. We will be monitoring the situation closely but are not planning to issue antiviral medication at the moment and we have advised the school to remain open.
A handful of cases at several other schools are being swabbed and treated as a precaution. Schools will be advised if and when cases are confirmed and a decision will be made about issuing antiviral treatment to pupils and/or closing the school if required.
Because of the increasing numbers of swine flu cases, and especially because of the cases in local schools, NHS Worcestershire has declared a Major Incident.
Nationally there is increasing transmission within the community and the number of cases is rising steadily
Most cases so far have been relatively mild. Sadly there has been one death in Scotland, but given the total number of cases this is not unexpected and the cases so far do not appear to be substantially more severe than normal seasonal flu.
For the moment the focus remains on containment with identification, investigation and treatment of possible cases.
The health service and local partners are asked to continue to give the highest priority to completing plans to respond to a full pandemic
NHS Worcestershire is continuing to work with the Acute and Mental Health Trusts, County Council and other partners to put plans in place for managing flu patients, including a Flu Line, Anti-viral Collection Points at sites across the county and a Flu Support Service.
Further information
· Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1513513
· Public information leaflets/ posters: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_098685
· NHS Worcestershire: http://www.worcestershire.nhs.uk