A NEW National Pandemic Flu Service launched by the Government will help people determine whether they have swine flu or not. The service, which was launched today, is made up of a dedicated website and call centres that can quickly tell you if you have c

A NEW National Pandemic Flu Service launched by the Government will help people determine whether they have swine flu or not.

The service, which was launched today, is made up of a dedicated website and call centres that can quickly tell you if you have contracted the illness.

Two antiviral collection points in Herts - one in Watford and one in Welwyn Garden City - have been opened in response to the new service and to deal with the increasing number of people with swine flu.

Director of Public Health at NHS Hertfordshire Dr Jane Halpin said: "The new arrangements mean a change to what people should do if they think they may have swine flu. Please do not contact your GP for information or for a diagnosis unless you are in one of the high risk groups."

If you have flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, a cough, a headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite you should use the new National Pandemic Flu Service.

The telephone number is 0800 1 513 100 (open 8am until midnight every day) and the web address is www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu