Flu victims cause delays

PEOPLE with colds and flu symptoms who use NHS services in Warrington may cause unnecessary delays in treatment for those with more serious illnesses.
NHS Warrington reports that the local GP out of hours service took almost 1,500 calls in just three days over the bank holiday weekend. Many of these callers had minor illnesses such as sore throats, coughs and blocked sinuses.
Health chiefs say that because seasonal flu and colds are on the increase there has been a huge rise in the numbers attending the town’s accident and emergency department and calling the GP out of hour’s service with cold and flu symptoms.
They say this means people who are seriously ill and need treatment may struggle to get through on the phone.
A spokeswoman for NHS Warrington said normally healthy adults should stay at home and combat their flu and cold symptoms with over-the-counter remedies from the pharmacist, rather than calling their GP.
She said: “We always see a rise in flu and colds at this time of year. Flu and the common cold are viral illnesses and the first line of treatment is rest, paracetamol and fluids. This advice is also available on the NHS Choices website and by calling NHS Direct on 084546.”
Symptoms of flu include sudden fever (a temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or above), dry, chesty cough, headache, tiredness, chills and aching muscles.
NHS Warrington advised that anyone who is in at risk group should take up the offer of a seasonal flu vaccine this year.
The spokeswoman addedy: “For the majority of normally health adults who catch the flu, it will be unpleasant and inconvenient, but they will begin to feel better within four to five days.”
She added that if symptoms not getting better, patients should call their GP for further advice, not visit the surgery, as they risk passing on their infection to vulnerable people. She suggested that if medication is needed, the patient should ask family or friends to collect it.
“People with chronic lung, heart, liver, kidney or neurological problems, as well as those with weakened immune systems, can become seriously ill, as well as over-65s and pregnant women. They should telephone their GP if they think they have flu-symptoms.
“These people should make sure they have the flu vaccine to protect themselves. If they have not yet had the jab, they should contact their GP to make an appointment as soon as possible. Children under five, with flu like symptoms should be assessed by a health care professional.”