For the latest swine flu public information, go to the NHS Bolton website: Click here

THE number of people in Bolton prescribed anti-virals for suspected swine flu over the last seven days has virtually doubled from the week before, to nearly 2,300.

But NHS Bolton, which released the figure yesterday says the town is coping well with the pandemic and people do not need to panic.

There has been a dramatic rise in the number of people collecting medication for others since Bolton’s anti-viral collection centre opened earlier this month and the figure does not include people caring for themselves or not requiring anti-virals.

The Royal Bolton Hospital has also confirmed it is treating “a small number” of inpatients with flu-like symptoms.

It is no longer possible to tell who actually has swine flu though, as tests are no longer being carried due to the large amount of people with symptoms.

The collection centre is open seven days a week, 8am to 8pm, to cope with the demand and plans are in place to open more centres if required.

Wendy Pickard, NHS Bolton’s associate director of service provision, said: “Thanks to great co-operation from many NHS Bolton staff, local GPs and their teams, and our partners at Bolton Council, the Royal Bolton Hospital and others, we have been able to deliver a whole new service to provide anti-virals without so far having a significant impact on other health services.

“I would ask the people of Bolton to continue responding to swine flu sensibly, contacting the national service if they are really unwell with flu symptoms, and taking routine hygiene precautions to help slow down the spread of infection.

“As long as people remember that for most people this is just a flu bug with relatively mild symptoms, we can assure them that the NHS will be there to care for those who are seriously ill.”

The National Swine Flu Service provides a telephone and internet service for people needing anti-viral medication, easing the pressure on GPs, and can be contacted on 0800 1513 100 (0800 1513 200 for minicom users) or visit direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu.

cherry.thomas@thebolton news.co.uk