GPs urged to prepare for flu pandemic

Doctors in England have been offered some additional advice in preparation for an anticipated flu pandemic by the British Medical Association (BMA).

The NHS is expected to come under "unprecedented pressure" during a flu pandemic, with GPs bearing the brunt of the extra patients.

New guidance from the BMA's GP committee (GPC) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has warned practices to expect up to 186 extra flu cases per week.

Dr Laurence Buckman, chairman of the GPC, said: "During a pandemic the NHS would have to work differently - it's a major health emergency and as such requires a totally different way of helping patients.

"During a pandemic many people will get flu and a few will be very poorly, but there will still be people suffering from other illnesses and they will also need our full attention."

There have been three pandemics during the last century and experts believe another one is overdue.

However, it is not possible to predict when it will occur.

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