Swine Flu Service Goes Live

The number of people who have died in the UK after contracting swine flu has reached at least 31, with new figures on the latest death toll due to be released within hours.

The information is also expected to show a rise in the number of people attending GP consultations and being treated in hospital.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown is seeking to reassure the public, saying an “enormous effort” is underway to ensure the UK is fully prepared for the pandemic.

The National Pandemic Flu Service, a telephone and online support network for the public, is set to go live by the end of the week. It aims to diagnose people who have swine flu and give them the opportunity to get antivirals direct from local centres.

Mr Brown said: “This, of course, will free up GPs’ and NHS time.”

Meanwhile pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline said it should begin shipping a swine flu vaccine by September.

The UK Government has ordered a total of 132 million doses – two per person – from both Glaxo and another producer Baxter.