Island swine flu tests stepped up

Five suspected cases of swine flu have had negative test results

Health experts are taking more precautions to prepare for a possible outbreak of swine flu in Guernsey.

No-one has tested positive in the island but health bosses plan to test any flu case for traces of the virus.

GPs have been asked to send samples for analysis from anyone with symptoms - even if they have not visited an area affected by swine flu.

Guernsey's Director of Public Health said the island had to prepare for the likelihood the flu will reach it.

Dr Stephen Bridgman said Guernsey was not "complacent" and needed to carry out the extra tests because people with symptoms may find the flu carries strains of the swine virus in the background.

"We have to prepare ourselves for the likelihood that swine flu will reach Guernsey, but it may not be in a way we initially expected, through travel to an infected area," he added.

No cases have been recorded in Guernsey from five possible samples analysed so far.

The island's health department is continuing negotiations with UK authorities about obtaining stocks of a swine flu vaccine once it has been developed.

It would then be offered to high risk groups across the island who already receive the seasonal flu vaccine.