Swine flu - number unknown?

Some swine flu patients were being treated at Rochdale Infirmary

The NHS has lost track of the number of people with swine flu - sparking concern from two of the borough’s MPs.

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen says he is “alarmed” that health chiefs no longer know how many people in the town have the illness, therefore how high the risk really is.

Heywood and Middleton MP Jim Dobbin agreed that there is a cause for concern, but claimed the government is making its best efforts to control the pandemic.

As part of a move made nationally, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stopped its daily announcements of the number of confirmed cases, and says it will not be testing “suspected” cases.

Jim Dobbin added: “It would not be cost effective to test suspected cases of swine flu.

“There is a pandemic and everyone must stay focused and take the necessary steps, but the vast majority of cases are not at all serious, and the illness is gone within a few days.

Paul Rowen said: “The number of reported cases is obviously increasing significantly and it’s alarming that the Government may not have the exact figures as to how many people have been infected. However I would urge people not to panic.

“The Liberal Democrats have demanded that the Prime Minister recall Parliament if there is any significant change in the severity of the situation. In my view, this is essential, as we must have a full and proper debate about how we best deal with the situation.”

A spokeswoman for Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said the only way to keep track would be to measure anti-flu drugs being prescribed by doctors, but even then it would not give a true figure.

She added: “It is vital to gain the confidence and co-operation of members of the public as the outbreak of the virus progresses.

“GPs will offer anti-virals to people with swine flu, but will try and target use at vulnerable groups; children under 5, pregnant women, those with under-lying health problems, especially those with chronic respiratory and cardiac disease and other chronic conditions.”

“One key message is that people should not go to A&E or to their GP if they suspect they have swine flu.

“This means that GPs and A&E teams can concentrate their expertise on treating patients they normally see plus those with complications caused by flu, as opposed to people with mild symptoms.”

If anyone believes they have contracted the swine flu virus they need to:

• Stay at home
• Check your symptoms on www.nhs.uk if possible
• Call the Swine Flu Information line on 0800 1 513 513 to hear the latest advice
• If they have taken these steps and are still concerned, they should telephone their GP who can provide a diagnosis over the phone. Or in England and Wales, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647, in Scotland call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24, and in Northern Ireland call 0800 0514 142.