DOCTORS say the worst is yet to come and the number of swine flu cases in the region is still some way off peaking.
Despite the majority of schools across the region reporting cases, and the early opening of a call centre for people who believe they have the virus, experts say August will see a flood of cases.
Dr Martin Hargreaves, of Parson’s Heath Medical Practice, who is a member of the North East Essex Local Medical Committee, said GPs expected numbers to peak next month, followed by further clustered outbreaks in the autumn and winter.
He believed infection levels in Colchester were low compared to London, central Scotland and the West Midlands.
Dr Hargreaves said: “The prediction is for a rapidly-increasing number of people infected over the coming weeks and historically, pandemics have produced further waves of infection a few months after and beyond.”
He added he believed Colchester was as prepared as it could be.
He said: “I think the primary care trust has been working quite hard on this for some time.”
Peter Richardson, a spokesman for NHS North East Essex said: “We have started getting a good flow of calls coming in early at the centre on 0800 1513513.”
Three swine flu centres have also been established to issue anti-viral drugs to patients who require them.
If you think you may have swine flu, check your symptoms by calling NHS Direct, on 0845 4647, call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513513, or go to www.nhs.uk
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