MP John Hemming calls for swine flu sufferers to be barred from entering UK

Jul 21 2009 by Jonathan Walker, Birmingham Post

He told MPs the National Pandemic Flu Service would be launched, offering telephone and online help to take pressure off GPs and other frontline health services. It will be in operation by the end of the week “subject to testing”.

This meant swine flu victims no longer needed to ring their GP, Mr Burnham said. “They can either answer questions via the new website, or ring the call centre service, where trained staff will be able to assess them over the phone.”

Mr Burnham said vaccines would be available from August with enough for 30 million people by the end of the year.

He said: “For the vast majority, swine flu remains a mild and self-limiting illness.”

It was understandable people were becoming more concerned as cases rose.

Pregnant women should continue “normal activities” such as going to work, travelling on public transport and attending events and family gatherings, he said.

But to reduce their risk of infection and complications they should wash hands frequently using soap, avoid contact with people known to have swine flu and making early contact with a GP if they suspected having the virus.