In response to the steady reduction in the number of swine flu cases, interpreted as a sign the outbreak in Britain is largely over, it has been announced the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) hotline and website will be shut down 11th February.

Although Sir Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer warns against complacency, there has been a steady decline in cases as most people have suffered relatively mild illness.

Despite the shut-down, Health Minister Gillian Merron said, if necessary the flu services could be re-activated within seven days, adding from next week, those suspected of having swine flu instead of being directed to the anti-viral collection points, will be referred to their normal GPs.

Since Christmas, cases of swine flu have been dropping consistently, with fewer than 5,000 new diagnoses each week.

The call centre and website will be shut down at 1:00 a. m. on 11th February, though health experts warning against complacency are urging those eligible for vaccination to take up the offer.

Likely to return next winter, the H1N1 swine flu virus will be around for some years, so getting vaccinated now will offer protection against the virus in the future.

GPs will continue to make anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza available for those with flu-like symptoms.

However, next month onwards drug dispensing will normalise i. e. only prescriptions will be given, in the event the Health Protection Agency says flu is circulating above baseline levels.

Currently, flu levels are below baseline.