Rise in swine flu cases putting strain on GPs

GPs and emergency units are continuing to feel the strain today as swine flu spreads.

The numbers of people affected by the virus have doubled in the last week, and GPs have said they were 60% busier over this Christmas than last.

GPs said, although the swine flu virus is a particularly severe type of flu, the vast majority of people will feel better after five or six days.

Dr Mel Bates, from the Irish College of General Practictioners, said GPs are seeing a major increase in their workload.