Swine Flu Update
Minutes:
Due to widespread concern by local residents, Cllr Diakides asked the council’s Director of Resources (Julie Parker) to provide a brief update on the subject, outlining the current situation, the action taken by the authorities and the latest advice to the public.
It was noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had raised the level of alert to global pandemic status on 11 June.
Following this the Government altered the focus of its strategy to tackle the virus from containment to treatment. In practical terms this meant that the virus would be diagnosed clinically rather than testing patients and waiting for results to be obtained from laboratories.
In addition antiviral medication would now be issued to people showing symptoms rather than anyone who had been in contact with the virus.
The council and NHS Haringey continue to monitor the situation through a special joint committee and NHS Haringey is preparing to establish collection points for antiviral drugs if this became necessary.
Special leaflets have been already circulated to local residents and further copies are available at local libraries and other information points.
Key symptoms of the virus included:
In order to limit the spread of the virus general good respiratory hygiene was recommended. It was also recommended that people plan ahead and establish ‘flu friends’ who could help if an individual fell ill. In addition it was also recommended that people keep a supply of the usual cough and cold remedies.
It was noted that the Council and NHS Haringey were working closely to ensure that the necessary support was in place for vulnerable residents and to ensure that the relevant community groups received the necessary information.