GPs get 80 visits a day over swine flu

AROUND 80 concerned islanders are visiting their GP each day with flu-like symptoms.

Each of the island's eight medical practices is seeing 10 patients every day who suspect they may have swine flu.

Deputy medical officer of health Dr Brian Parkin said about half of these people probably had 'normal' flu as opposed to swine flu.

'The treatment is the same with this flu, swine flu and other viruses,' he said. 'The symptoms are also the same.'

He advised those affected to stay at home, take simple remedies and to seek medical advice if they were feeling particularly unwell.

Dr Parkin said the number of patients visiting with flu-like symptoms was more than that seen during an average winter but was less than previous heavy flu periods.

He could not confirm the exact number.

Most surgeries have set up flu clinics in an attempt to prevent the virus spreading through the practices.

'It's just minimising the spread as much as possible,' said Dr Parkin.

He said the Castel Hospital, which had an outbreak of suspected swine flu, has now been given the all clear because the results of tests have come back negative.

'That's one point we are trying to get over. That there are other viruses and flu bugs about,' he said.