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Results due in 'swine flu' cases Swine flu preparations stepped up
(30 minutes later)
The results of two tests for suspected swine flu in Northern Ireland will be known later on Thursday. Northern Ireland is stepping up preparations for an outbreak of a swine flu pandemic, Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Elizabeth Mitchell has said.
A helpline will is expected to open at midday to give advice for anyone displaying flu-like symptoms. The free-phone helpline number is 0800 0514 142. The move follows the World Health Organisation's (WHO) decision to raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase four to five.
This means the organisation believes a global pandemic is imminent.
Dr Mitchell said a swine flu helpline will open at midday to give advice. The free-phone number is 0800 0514 142.
"The key message to the public is not to be alarmed but to be prepared for a potential pandemic," she said.
"Evidence to date suggests that, other than in Mexico, the majority of cases have had a relatively mild flu-like illness which responds well to treatment with anti-virals.
"We have been planning for a situation like this for some years. In fact, the UK is recognised as among the best prepared for any potential pandemic.
"The preparations we have in place and are continuing to make, will help us respond well in the event of a pandemic.
"GPs across the country have been notified and made aware of the symptoms and what to do if they suspect a patient has pandemic flu. We have also purchased enough anti-virals to treat up to 50% of the population and are rapidly moving to buy enough to treat 75%."
Control centre
Meanwhile, the results of two tests for suspected swine flu in Northern Ireland will be known later on Thursday.
On Wednesday, 11 possible cases tested negative. Four people in the Irish Republic were also given the all-clear.
An emergency control centre has also been set up at Stormont to deal with any outbreak.An emergency control centre has also been set up at Stormont to deal with any outbreak.
On Wednesday, 11 possible cases tested negative. Four people in the Republic were also given the all-clear. Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said every household in the country would receive a leaflet providing advice about the basic steps people can take to avoid infection.
"In the next few days, every household in the country will receive a leaflet providing advice about the basic steps people can take to avoid infection and this advice can also be found on government websites," said Mr McGimpsey. "We continue to maintain the strictest surveillance and monitoring here in Northern Ireland. We have robust plans in place for dealing with situations like this," he said.
"We continue to maintain the strictest surveillance and monitoring here in Northern Ireland. We have robust plans in place for dealing with situations like this.
"We have worked and are working extremely closely with the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland to ensure we are prepared and to ensure that the public is protected to the maximum level possible.""We have worked and are working extremely closely with the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland to ensure we are prepared and to ensure that the public is protected to the maximum level possible."