A TOP doctor accused the Government yesterday of "over-kill" in its reaction to swine flu.

Dr Judith Hooper – who is in charge of combating the disease in Kirklees – said ministers had gone "over the top".

The director of public health for NHS Kirklees said: "The Government has taken a very pro-active stance in dealing with this flu pandemic to the point of over-kill. Swine flu is a mild condition but we’re treating it like it’s a serious one."

Dr Hooper was updating a special panel of Kirklees councillors yesterday.

She said: "As of Tuesday morning there were 100 admissions to the two local hospitals, with 16 people diagnosed with swine flu. Tragically, one person has died in Dewsbury.

"Of the 15 other people who had swine flu, all responded to intensive treatment and were discharged from hospital within a few days."

Dr Hooper criticised the widespread use of Tamiflu to treat people who may have the disease.

She said: "Anti-virals have side-effects and there’s evidence internationally of the flu resisting anti-virals.

"Swine flu is a much more infectious disease than seasonal flu and the basic principle is isolation. If you have swine flu, stay at home and don’t infect anyone else."

Dr Hooper added that the health service should concentrate on high-risk groups such as pregnant women.

She said: "It’s my view that the Government has gone over-the-top. Most people recover well. We should focus on those who are at risk, like pregnant women and people with serious respiratory conditions."

But Dr Hooper told the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Panel for Health Inequalities that the situation could become much more dangerous next month.

She said: "The whole thing is calming down now, we’ve been through the first increase. But when September comes folk will be back in schools and colleges.

"Seasonal flu will take off and we will have swine flu on top of that."

Dr Hooper told the meeting at Brian Jackson House on New North Road that the two forms of flu hit different age groups.

She said: "If you’re over-60, the chances of getting swine flu are nearly zero. People aged nine to 24 are the ones who get it the most."

Dr Hooper also praised doctors in Dewsbury for their reaction to the outbreak at the Institute of Islamic Education in Savile Town last month.

Swine flu contributed to the death of institute teacher Abdullah Patel, 42.

Dr Hooper said: "The GPs in Dewsbury did a fantastic job and I really take my hat off to them."