The government has now launched the National Pandemic Flu Service, a new online service that will assess patients for swine flu and, if required, provide an authorisation number that can be used to co

The government has now launched the National Pandemic Flu Service, a new online service that will assess patients for swine flu and, if required, provide an authorisation number that can be used to collect antiviral medication.

The system, which can also be accessed by telephone, is designed to take the strain off GPs as swine flu spreads. For the moment, it is only being used in England.

To use the National Pandemic Flu Service visit: www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.