Granny joins fight against swine flu (From Swindon Advertiser)

Granny joins fight against swine flu

8:20am Thursday 30th April 2009

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A granny is waging a one-woman war against swine flu – by hand crafting protective masks for her friends and family.

Elizabeth Oakland, of Spratts Barn Crescent, Wootton Bassett, has been stitching, knitting and sewing since news of the first confirmed British swine flu cases broke this week.

Since then the 75-year-old has produced one mask an hour – and all out of love for her community.

“I hear there’s this awful flu going round,” she said. “And people are rightfully panicking.

“I just want to make sure that all the people I love are safe if it should hit us here.”

The keen seamstress is even customising the utility wear, producing flowery masks for her female neighbours.

“I just use any odd ends I have really,” said Mrs Oakland.

“It’s good solid material and it’s washable so you can use your masks over and over again.”

Patchwork quilts are normally the pensioner’s passion but given the concern surrounding swine flu, she downed her blankets and started making masks immediately.

“I suppose it’s a bit of Blitzkrieg spirit,” she said.

“I’ve survived a war you know and people looked out for one another so much more then. I think this situation will see people really pulling together.

“Patchwork quilts are normally my thing but needs must.

“I’m not worried. I’ll be fine.”

The results from seven Wiltshire people tested for the virus are still not back from the Health Protection Agency laboratory but there are no new suspected cases anywhere in the county.

But, despite being currently flu-free, Swindon residents have being searching for protective masks of their own in droves, calling in on the town’s Tesco superstore and Boots to ask for the surgicalwear.

The message from medical experts remains the same – to maintain hygiene standards and not to panic.

Lynda Wearn, acting director of public health for Swindon Primary Care Trust said: “Like elsewhere in the UK, there is a small number of Swindon residents who have recently returned from travel, our advice for these people is to contact their GP if they have flu-like symptoms.

“As for the other residents, we see no reason for people to panic. There are still no confirmed cases of swine flu in the county.

“It is important to follow good hygiene practices anyway, including washing your hands frequently with soap and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

“Tissues should also be disposed of promptly. If you are unwell, we advise you to remain at home and take medications such as paracetamol to relieve the symptoms, and drink plenty of fluids.

“If you experience flu-like symptoms, please contact NHS direct or your local GP. However, I urge you to continue with your family life as usual.

“At this point, we see no reason for the public to go out and buy masks and gloves.”

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