The National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched in England. It is the latest move in the government's fight against swine flu.

The flu line is a phone and internet service.

To contact the service, call 0800 1 513 100 or log on to www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu

It uses a checklist to diagnose whether people have swine flu and can then give them access to anti-flu drugs if necessary.

Those who are deemed to have swine flu by the service will be given a voucher number and asked to arrange for a "flu friend" to pick up anti-viral drugs from a distribution point.

They will be asked to bring ID for themselves and the flu sufferer to verify who they are.

Pregnant women, children under one and people with underlying health conditions are all still being advised to contact doctors.

NHS Direct symptom Checker    

This tool helps you to identify the symptoms of flu

So 

If you have flu symptoms,

PLEASE DO NOT COME DOWN TO THE SURGERY

Patients of St Bede Medical Centre are advised to use the above information line and web link or contact the surgery by telephone

0191 567 5335