Patients With Flu Like Symptoms Should Call Their GP First

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 01 Jun 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is advising patients with flu like symptoms to call their local general practice to seek advice before presenting at the practice to seek care.

The call comes as GPs continue to work closely with the Australian Government and relevant agencies to contain the spread of swine flu through the community.

"While Australia is in the 'contain phase' of managing this outbreak general practice has a key role to play in implementing the health system's response. Advice that directs patients with flu like systems to present at their local general practice could potentially contribute to the spread of this disease, counteracting our efforts to manage its impact on our communities," said Dr Chris Mitchell, RACGP President and GP in northern New South Wales.

Source
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners