NOT ALL swine flu patients will need anti-viral drugs, a Kirklees health chief assured today.
Those suffering symptoms of the virus should be able to recover without the medicine, according to Kirklees public health director Dr Judith Hooper.
Her comments came as it was confirmed that three Kirklees schools had been forced to close before the summer holidays because of swine flu.
Castle Hill Special School – where pupils have complex health issues – Batley Girls High School and Birkby Junior and Infants broke up sooner than planned as the outbreak took hold.
Other affected schools including Kirkroyds, Birdsedge, Mount Pleasant, Holmfirth High and Scissett Middle School have all remained open, in line with national guidance.
Dr Hooper said: “It is important to remember that many people will be able to recover from swine flu without the need for antiviral drugs.
“If you are not in a higher risk group and have no underlying medical conditions you probably do not need any antiviral drugs.
“Instead, patients can treat themselves at home with over-the-counter paracetamol based cold remedies.”
She stressed that antiviral drugs are not a cure for swine flu. But she admitted they can help by relieving symptoms and cutting the length of time people are ill by around one day.
They also reduce the risk of serious complications such as pneumonia.
Dr Hooper added: “Swine flu can be treated with antiviral drugs and ideally these should be taken within 48 hours of developing symptoms to be most effective, but up to seven days if the patient is still symptomatic.”
Patients should be made aware that antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting and causing stomach aches.
