Use a Flu Friend at Antiviral Collection Points

31.07.2009

Use a Flu Friend at Antiviral Collection Points

NHS Gloucestershire is continuing to encourage people with flu-like symptoms to use the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) and arrange for a flu friend to collect their medication from a collection point in the county.

So far more than 1,500 people have used an antiviral collection point (ACP) in Gloucestershire. Some of these people live out of county but found it more convenient to attend an ACP in Gloucestershire.

The vast majority are local people collecting on behalf of a family member or friend. However, there have been occasions when people with flu-like symptoms have turned up themselves and the NHS is advising against this in order to reduce the spread of germs.

The number of ACPs open across the county will increase again next week offering improved access for flu friends. These will be based in community pharmacies and will have normal pharmacy opening hours.

The ACP at Gloucester Business Park will be open 8am until 10pm.

Unless there is an urgent clinical need, antivirals do not need to be collected immediately after they have been authorised by the NPFS. They can safely be collected the following day. People are advised to continue to use paracetamol products to reduce temperature and drink plenty of fluids in these circumstances.