There has been a further increase in cases of swine flu across East Anglia this week.The number of unique reference numbers issued by the National Pandemic Flu Service is up from 7,151 last week, to 10,360 this week.

There has been a further increase in cases of swine flu across East Anglia this week.

The number of unique reference numbers issued by the National Pandemic Flu Service is up from 7,151 last week, to 10,360 this week.

People also collected a total of 7,380 courses of anti-virals, compared to 4,815 last week.

There are also currently 62 people in hospital with problems relating to swine flu and 15 are being treated in critical care.

Meanwhile, people are being reminded not to call their GP while the swine flu vaccination programme is being rolled out.

Only people who are in the priority groups are currently eligible for the vaccine, which include people aged over six months and under 65, who would normally be eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine; pregnant women; people aged 65 and above in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups.

The first GP practices received the vaccine last Monday , but it will take three to four weeks for all GP practices to receive stocks.

Dr Linda Sheridan, director of Flu Resilience for NHS East of England, said: “GPs will be inviting people in the priority groups in for their jab over the coming few weeks once they have received their delivery.

“We understand that people are anxious to find out more information about the swine flu vaccination, but we are urging them not to contact their GP surgeries as they are currently very busy.

“Both swine flu and seasonal flu are highly infectious illnesses caused by a virus. People should not underestimate the effects of flu. It is not the same as getting a cold. It can seriously affect your health and the risks of developing complications are greater if you have certain pre-existing medical conditions.”

If you think that you may have swine flu, you should contact National Pandemic Flu Service for assessment, which is available on 0800 1 513 100, or use the online service at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu .