THE number of swine flu cases in Cumbria has fallen by around 30 per cent in just seven days.

According to figures released by the National Pandemic Flu Service, far fewer antivirals were dispensed in the county last week compared with the week before.

Between August 2 and 9, 665 ‘flu friends’ picked up antiviral medication for people with suspected swine flu compared to 1,028 from July 27 to August 2.

Although not all people with suspected swine flu will have the H1N1 virus, anyone with flu-like symptoms will be treated as having the illness.

Dr Rebecca Wagstaff is NHS Cumbria's deputy director of public health said: "So far the National Pandemic Flu Service is working well by helping to diagnose people who have swine flu as well as taking the added pressure off GPs. This means they are free to concentrate on treating people with other illnesses and those who could be vulnerable to complications.

"However, we can't be complacent. It's important that people are still prepared and have a flu friend lined up in case they do become ill.”

Anyone who thinks they may have contracted the swine flu virus can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu on call 0800 1 513 513 for information or 0800 1 513 100 for treatment.