Swine Flu

There has been an enormous amount of news coverage given to this issue in recent weeks and you will no doubt be aware that this virus is being managed at primary care level for patients considered to be at risk or with health conditions (such as those with weakened immune systems). The National Flu Service (going live on Thursday 23rd July) is intended to relieve the pressure on the NHS and GP surgeries by taking calls and emails from all other sufferers, going through a checklist to diagnose cases and giving access to anti-flu drugs where appropriate. They will refer high risk patients to their GPs.
However, for patients receiving care and treatment for breast cancer, a Consultant at the Royal Free Hospital and member of Cancerkin’s Medical Advisory Panel gives the following additional advice:
1. If you have swine flu, you should cancel your clinic appointment and rebook and let the breast care nurse and relevant secretary know. You should get tamiflu through your GP (not your hospital) and the same applies to the vaccine (when it becomes available).
2. All patients on chemotherapy or within 12 months of chemotherapy should get priority for the vaccine when it is out.
3. Patients don’t need to interrupt hormone treatment but would have to interrupt chemotherapy or radiotherapy if they have swine flu.

23 July 2009