ANTI-VIRAL medicine to combat the deadly swine flu virus has been issued to people living in Exmouth, it was confirmed this week.

ANTI-VIRAL medicine to combat the deadly swine flu virus has been issued to people living in Exmouth, it was confirmed this week.

The revelation followed news that at least one person from the town had all symptoms related to the infection.

But a spokesperson for Devon Primary Care Trust was keen to reassure people they should not be worried.

He said: "It is important to note that most people in this country have been affected only mildly by the flu and this remains the position in Devon."

The Government confirmed last week the emergency response to swine flu would be moved to a so-called treatment phase - believed to be an acknowledgement the virus could no longer be contained.

People who report symptoms, therefore, will no longer be tested - to relieve pressure on the health service - and, instead of visiting their doctor surgeries, they are asked to stay at home and call the NHS.

The PCT spokesperson, reflecting on the treatment changes, said: "In practical terms, this means GPs will be able to diagnose swine flu on the basis of symptoms rather than waiting for laboratory testing.

"All contact tracing has ceased, and we will stop giving anti-viral drugs to people who may have been exposed to the virus.

"Anyone who has contracted swine flu should continue to be offered anti-virals until further notice."

The spokesperson said there were no laboratory-confirmed cases in Exmouth, while the swabbing phase was being carried out.

"This is not the same as saying there are no cases, and anti-viral medicine has been issued in the Exmouth area," he explained.

The spokesperson added that 'at least one person' from the town had all symptoms related to the condition.