"Careless talk costs lives" was a famous wartime slogan warning against inadvertently assisting the enemy.

Another, more apposite to today's situation was "Coughs and sneezes spread diseases, catch your germs in your handkercheif ".

In Stockport, we have been relatively fortunate in that swine flu has been slow to infiltrate, but we should not be blinded by our good fortunenow.

Suitable preparation for the issue of Tamiflu were fortunately well advanced when the epidemic struck here.

Nationally, it would appear that the initial wave has reached its peak and weekly figures are showing a significant drop. History tells us that we were fortunate that it occured in the summer months.

However, there is evidence to suggest that when it returns in the winter, it could be more virulent and widespread, hence the need for continuing care.

In a normal winter there is always a significant rise in illness and unfortunately many deaths among the elderly and those with respitory illness.

At a recent meeting of the Health Scrutiny Committee, I asked representatives of the Hospital Trust, what arrangements were in hand for the predicted rise in hospital admissions and they were able to assure me that a substantial number of beds were being allocated for just such an emergency and of course the swine flu advice service would still be operation.

The Department of Health has ordered several millions of the vaccine to start vaccinating the population so that substantial numbers van be helped particularly those people in care services who wouldbe susceptible to infection.

It is essential we should continue to use the swine flu hotline for advice, but if after Tamiflu for three to four days there is no reduction in illness then it is vitally important that you seek advice from your local GP.

Cllr Bryan Leck
Bramhall South

This article, by Cllr Bryan Leck, was first published by the Stockport Express on 19.08.09.