Flu sufferers are praised by doctors (From Swindon Advertiser)

Flu sufferers are praised by doctors

12:20pm Tuesday 6th January 2009

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DOCTORS in Swindon have praised sensible flu suffers who took advice on how to beat the winter bug.

Very few people visited the hospital for a quick cure, instead they stayed at home and drank plenty of fluids, as instructed by GPS.

“There is very good public awareness about preventing the spread of flu,” said Ruth McCarthy, the director of clinical governance and infection control at the Great Western Hospital.

“People are listening, and they are staying at home and getting themselves better before they come into the hospital.

“The public is aware that coming into the hospital with any flu symptoms or diarrhoea and vomiting does put patients at risk.

“The flu virus is cyclical and does spread quickly, and is it is around in the south west, which is why we are being extremely vigilant.

“If it does come this way we are confident that we have the right measures and good infection control practices in place to contain it.”

Elsewhere, doctors have reported a positive take-up of the flu vaccine in November and December as patients took national anti-flu campaigns onboard and armed themselves against the virus.

Swindon doctor Liz Mearns said the people in Swindon have been sensible this year.

“Residents have been very sensible in the way they have handled the flu virus this year and have not turned up at the hospital expecting a cure,” she said.

“They realise that the virus needs to run its course and the best they can do is take paracetamol, drink plenty of fluids and rest.”

But Swindon isn’t out of the woods yet and there is still plenty of opportunity to pick up the unpleasant bug.

“My advice to those who are starting to come down with the bug and are in the coughing and sneezing stage, is to stay away from work,” said Dr Mearns.

“It is during the coughing and sneezing stage that you are at your most contagious and the virus will spread to others. There is no cure but traditional remedies can alleviate some of the symptoms.”

Dr Mearns stressed that anyone who suffers with other health issues and is feeling worse than when they have had flu before should contact their GP.

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