A COLLECTION point for anti-viral drugs for anyone who has swine flu has opened in Chelmsford.

A “flu friend” who does not have the virus can attend the collection point at Springfield Clinic, in Springfield Green, from 8.30am to 8pm.

NHS Mid Essex is requesting people who suspect they have swine flu to stay home and call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1 513 100 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu for diagnosis and treatment, instead of their GP.

Anyone who has swine flu and needs anti-viral drugs will be given a 12-digit authorisation code.

They will need to stay at home and send their flu friend to pick up their antiviral drugs for them . The friend will need the authorisation number of the patient, a form of ID for the patient and themselves.

All staff from both NHS Mid Essex and Central Essex Community Services have been asked to work at the collection points and many have already volunteered and have been given training on how the collection points operate.

The trust says security personnel will be responsible for opening and securing the buildings at the start and close of the day.

Symptoms of swine flu are a sudden fever (a high body temperature of over 38C or 100.4F) and at least two other symptoms, such as headache, tiredness, chills, aching muscles, limb or joint pain, diarrhoea or stomach upset, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing or loss of appetite.