Andy Burnham MP warns swine flu cases could hit 100,000 a day by August.

Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham MP, addressed the House of Commons yesterday (2 July) about the future of the swine flu epidemic in the UK and said “We could easily see 100,000 cases a day by the end of August, although I must stress this is only a projection.”

In a move designed to relieve pressure on the health service as the number of reported cases reaches a high of 6,929 in the UK, Mr Burnham said the responsibility in England will move from the Health Protection Agency to the Primary Care Trust now taking the lead in diagnosing and distributing anti-viral drugs. He continued:

“Based on expert’s recommendations and with agreement of health ministers across all four administrations, I can today tell the House we will move to the treatment phase with immediate effect.”

The “treatment phase” referred to by the MP essentially acknowledges that the virus can no longer be contained and people reporting symptoms will be told by their GP to remain at home and be given a voucher for a family member or friend to take to a pharmacy. Laboratory tests will no longer be carried out on those suspected of contracting swine flu.

As companies are becoming increasingly concerned at how the virus may affect staff, the Department of Health (DoH) has responded by publishing directions to the Business Link website which offers advice for businesses on how to deal with swine flu within the workplace.

The set of guidelines illustrates how employers can answer employees concerns, help workers get treatment, and vitally, prevent further spread of swine flu. It also offers advice on how organisations need to consider business risks and continuity planning.