29/04/2009

GRAHAME URGES VIGILANCE ON SWINE FLU

SNP MSP Christine Grahame has urged vigilance amongst Borders residents as a number of Swine Flu cases have been identified in Scotland.

Ms Grahame who also chairs the Parliament’s Health Committee said:

"The spread of Swine Flu to a significant number of countries across the globe is a cause for concern and it is important that Borderers remain vigilant.

"The World Health Organisation has now stated that containment of the outbreak is not feasible and that the current focus should be on mitigation measures. That means taking basic precautions to help stop the spread of germs, such as hand washing and covering our mouth when we cough or sneeze.
 
“Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms or who has recently returned from one of the affected areas and is worried about their health should contact NHS 24 [08454 24 24 24] or their GP. I would encourage people to telephone for initial advice rather than visit a surgery for obvious reasons.

“In addition TV and radio adverts will start to air in the next couple of days and a leaflet giving more details will be delivered to every door from Tuesday. Updated information can also be found on the Health Protection Scotland website.
 
"I would say in terms of reassurance that the one thing that I think everybody in the international community is taking encouragement from is that outside of Mexico anyone contracting this virus is displaying very mild symptoms and are generally recovering very quickly.

"I am confident in the preparedness of the National Health Service in the Borders and across Scotland to deal with any flu outbreak in the most effective possible way and provided we all continue to be vigilant we can minimise the impact and spread of Swine Flu.

SNP It’s time.....