Rotherham braced for swine flu

ROTHERHAM is braced for a the return of swine flu this winter — but health chiefs say the borough is well-prepared.

Experts are expecting a second wave of the pandemic could be on its way as the number of people using the national helpline service increases. The number of people consulting their GP has also increased.

John Radford, public health director for NHS Rotherham, said: “There have been a small number of swine flu outbreaks in Rotherham schools, showing that swine flu is now circulating in our community.

“Schools are being advised by the Health Protection Agency to stay open as individual school closures, to stop the spread of disease, are of limited benefit.

“School closures are likely now only in exceptional circumstances or if safe staffing levels are not possible due to illness.

In line with the rest of the country, NHS Rotherham is preparing to introduce a vaccination programme over the next few months.

Following advice from independent experts, the Government has announced that priority groups including pregnant women, frontline health and social care workers, will be first in line for the vaccination.

For more information visit www.nhs.uk, call NHS Direct (0845 4647) or the Swine Flu Information line on 0800 1513513.