What is the National Pandemic Flu Service and how does it work?
The National Pandemic Flu Service is a new self-care service that will give people with swine flu symptoms fast access to information and antivirals.
The National Pandemic Flu Service is a new self-care service that will give people with swine flu symptoms fast access to information and antivirals.
It is a dedicated website and a phoneline (0800 1 513 100 or textphone 0800 1 513 200) for people to get information, check their symptoms and get a unique number that will give them access to antivirals if necessary.
When you are given your unique access number, you will be told where your nearest antiviral collection point is. You should then ask a flu friend - a healthy friend or relative - to go and pick up the antiviral medication.
If you think you have swine flu, do not go out to your GP or A&E.
What documents are needed to be able to collect the antivirals?
The flu friend must show their own ID as well as that of the patient. The authorisation number and ID information will be checked to ensure it matches the information provided when the assessment of symptoms was completed.
The ID includes:
- a utility bill,
- passport,
- a credit or debit card,
- driving licence, or
- NHS card.