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Swine Flu: We're ready say NHS
TWO PEOPLE in Derbyshire have been tested for swine flu amid fears the disease has spread across the globe.
The pair were tested for the H1N1 virus but were found to be clear.
And now people in Tameside and Glossop are being reassured that their local health trust is prepared for the illness, which has so far killed over 150 people in Mexico.
According to the World Health Organization, the UK sits alongside France as one of the best prepared countries worldwide for this possibility, and is well stocked with anti-viral treatments which can ease the symptoms of this strain of flu.
The main messages for local people, from NHS Tameside and Glossop, are:-
• There are no confirmed cases in Tameside and Glossop at the moment. In the case of an outbreak in the area, the trust are prepared for this.
• If you are concerned because you have been to Mexico and are developing influenza-like symptoms, stay at home and call your GP for advice, or contact NHS Direct on 08 45 46 47 or via the web at www.nhs.uk
• There are simple steps that everyone can take to help prevent catching colds and flU, based on good respiratory and hand hygiene. Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger and regularly wash your hands.
• More detailed local information can be found from the Health Protection Agency website at http://www.hpa.org.uk/
Director of Public Health Melanie Sirotkin said: "While the risk of a pandemic emerging in this country is serious and real, people should not be alarmed.
"NHS Tameside and Glossop has been preparing for the possibility of a pandemic flu outbreak for several years, and we are confident of being prepared should the outbreak spread to our area.
"There are currently no confirmed cases in Tameside and Glossop, though we will inform the public if there is any change in this status.
"I would like to remind people there are also simple steps that everyone can take to help prevent catching colds, flu and other viruses.
"Always use a tissue to catch your coughs and sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
"Washing hands frequently with soap and water will reduce the spread of viruses."
So far, there have been 159 deaths in Mexico from swine flu with the virus also being officially confirmed in the US, Canada, New Zealand, Britain, Israel and Spain.
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Weather for Buxton
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
