Important Londonwide CEO message number 11 - 13 July 2009

Since Friday we at Londonwide LMCs have been working with BBC TV to get key messages across to the public. For your information the media is showing interest in what is actually happening on the ground and in a series of interviews broadcast on the BBC News Channel and BBC London News, I have been putting over the key messages below.

Key Media Messages:

London’s GPs are being swamped by with 50+ additional consultations/calls per day – this is equal to the work of one extra doctor in every surgery.

But Swine flu is not a serious illness in itself. It currently behaves just like ordinary flu.

So we are doing our best but we need the help of our patients if we are to be able to look after those who are really sick.

The best way to check if you really do need advice from your GP is to take your temperature with a thermometer from your pharmacy. If your temperature is below 38, you can handle this flu at home. For most people it gets better in a few days with normal flu remedies from the supermarket or pharmacy. You will not need Tamiflu.

If you do have a high temperature of 38 or above, and particularly if you  are young, pregnant or suffering from an underlying illness, you should call and we will assess you further to decide what the best course of treatment is in your particular case.

By following this advice you will be helping your GP make time for patients who are really ill from flu, and also people who are unwell from other illnesses.