Extra Tamiflu collection points open

As hundreds more Lincolnshire people are diagnosed with swine flu, extra Tamiflu collection points have been opened.

From yesterday four existing collection points had their hours extended and three new distribution centres were opened to meet the increasing demand.

Director of Public Health for NHS Lincolnshire, Dr Mandy Bretman said: "Antivirals will help reduce the severity of symptoms and the duration of illness by about one day.

"For most people the illness is very mild and they will recover in a few days just as they would from normal seasonal flu.

"Some people may therefore decide they do not need antivirals and find they get better by staying in bed, drinking plenty of fluids and taking over the counter flu medication.

"It should also be emphasised that the antiviral medication does not prevent anyone catching Swine Flu."

Meanwhile Lincoln MP Gillian Merron, the newly appointed public health minister, rejected accusations that the government should have acted more swiftly in launching the swine flu advice helpline and website.

"To say that the National Pandemic Flu service has been delayed, or that it should have been introduced sooner, is untrue," she said.

"Launching the service could only be done at the point where we moved from local outbreaks of swine flu to significant levels of infection across the country.

The collection points, which will open from 2pm to 8pm, seven days a week, can be found at North Hykeham Health Centre, Boston Health Clinic, Gainsborough Health Clinic, Skegness Heath Clinic, Louth Primary Care Arch, Johnson Community Hospital and Grantham Health Clinic.

For more health advice, see Tuesday's Echo.