Swine flu seems to be decreasing in east and coastal Kent this week, but people are being warned to be vigilant as seasonal flu could be next.

Figures show that 11.1 per 100,000 of the population in the NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent area sought their GP’s advice over swine flu-like symptoms, compared with 18 per 100,000 the week before.

In England the rate is 13.9 per 100,000 and calls to the National Pandemic Flu service have also dropped.

Despite the fall in new cases of swine flu, people are being asked to continue being vigilant with hygiene, particularly to help protect against seasonal flu, which increases during the winter months.

This season is more significant due to the expected increase in the number of swine flu cases on top of the seasonal viruses. Historical patterns of pandemics show that these often come in two waves; the NHS expects the next wave to coincide with this winter.

NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent’s Deputy Director of Public Health Andrew Scott-Clark said: “The use of antiviral medicines and the swine flu vaccination programme, to be started later in the year, will both have an effect on the spread of the disease. So far the majority of people with swine flu have had a relatively mild illness. Early symptoms of many conditions are very similar to those of influenza-like illnesses.

"We have consistently said that patients should keep a close eye on their symptoms and, if their condition or that of their child does not improve, to contact their GP.”

People with swine flu symptoms should only contact their doctor direct rather than using the National Pandemic Flu Service if they: Have a serious underlying illness; Are pregnant; Have a sick child under one year old; Realise their condition is suddenly getting much worse; Think their condition is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child).

Mr Scott-Clark added: “The best way people can continue to protect themselves is by following good hygiene – catch coughs or sneezes in a tissue and bin tissues as soon as possible. Simply remember: Catch It, Bin It, Kill It."