“You’ve got a friend…all you’ve got to do is call!”
A new helpline service has been launched in Sussex to help vulnerable people should they become ill with swine flu.
Everyone is being urged to identify a number of family members, neighbours or friends who can become your Flu Friends and help you if you become unwell.
Flu Friends could collect antiviral medicines, food and other supplies for you if you get swine flu. However, not everyone will have someone they can ask to be their Flu Friend.
The helpline is available for anyone in Sussex who has become ill with flu-like symptoms, accessed the National Pandemic Flu Service or contacted their GP, and has been offered antiviral medication, but who is unable to find a Flu Friend who could collect the antivirals for them.
If anyone is without a Flu Friend, they should call the Sussex Flu Friends Helpline on 0300 1001822.
The operator will then arrange for a British Red Cross volunteer to collect the antivirals and deliver them to your home.
Currently, the helpline will be available during working hours (9am-5pm). Out of hours there is a recorded message giving directions on how to contact the British Red Cross directly.
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