anti-virals to tackle swine flu

HEALTH officials have confirmed there are enough anti-virals available for people diagnosed with swine flu in South Cumbria.

NHS Cumbria has assured members of the public that supplies of Tamiflu are plentiful.

But the anti-viral is not available over the counter and is only being prescribed to high-risk patients, or those who are clinically diagnosed with swine flu.

It does not act as a cure for the virus, but can help to reduce the severity of symptoms in some people.

Supplies of Tamiflu are only available from one collection point in Barrow, the location of which is not being released. More points are expected to be added as the number of cases increase.

A spokeswoman for NHS Cumbria said: “NHS Cumbria has set up anti-viral collection points in Barrow, Kendal, Whitehaven and Carlisle.

“Anti-virals will only be available from these centres after a patient has been clinically diagnosed with swine flu and given a voucher for their flu friend to pick up the medication.

“As and when the number of suspected cases of swine flu increase, more collection points will be opened.

“The UK has one of the largest stockpiles of antivirals in the world and here in Cumbria, we have ample supplies for our needs.

“Anti-virals can help to reduce the length of illness by around one day.