Public health bosses at NHS Bradford and Airedale are urging people to find at least one – but ideally two – ‘flu friends’ in the face of rapidly increasing cases of swine flu in the district.

Dr Anita Sims, director of public health at NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “Flu friends are an essential part of our pandemic influenza plan as they ensure people with the virus avoid coming into contact with the wider public – reducing the spread of infection.”

Flu friends can make sure flu sufferers have enough food, fluids and simple cold remedies during their illness when they are urged not to leave home and are essential should the flu sufferer need anti-viral medication.

Dr Sims said: “If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you might have swine flu, stay at home and call NHS Direct or use the symptom checker on the NHS website. These services are available 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.

“Depending on your symptoms you might need to call your GP surgery. If your GP decides you might benefit from anti-viral medication the only way to get this is for your ‘flu friend’ to pick it up on your behalf.

“They will need to provide identification for themselves, and identification for you. The GP will issue an authorisation voucher (like a prescription) entitling you to anti-virals. The surgery will also tell you where your anti-viral medication can be collected from.

“However, it’s very important that people with swine flu or flu-like symptoms do not go into pharmacies, GP surgeries or hospitals.”

A flu friend should be a friend or relative who does not live at your home (because you may have passed the virus onto them), does not have flu themselves and would help you if you fall ill.

It is recommended they should be at least 16 years old, have English as their first language and be someone you trust as you will need to provide them with your identification.

A full list of the ID needed to pick up anti-virals from local collection points is available online at bradfordairedale-pct.nhs.uk Public health bosses are asking people to think about those who live alone, are elderly or vulnerable and offer to be their flu friend. If you don’t have a flu friend and need one, just let your GP know and arrangements can be made.