PEOPLE in Hertfordshire should not panic about swine flu, a leading doctor has said. Dr Jane Halpin, the county's director of public health, downplayed fears of any potential pandemic. She was speaking as Hertfordshire's two primary care trusts revealed

PEOPLE in Hertfordshire should not panic about swine flu, a leading doctor has said.

Dr Jane Halpin, the county's director of public health, downplayed fears of any potential pandemic.

She was speaking as Hertfordshire's two primary care trusts revealed they had been working closely with NHS trusts and other partner agencies to ensure comprehensive plans were in place.

These plans aim to manage the effects of a widespread flu outbreak, to maintain NHS services and to make sure all frontline staff are fully prepared.

Dr Halpin said: "Our detailed plans were approved by the Department of Health back in January which means we are well placed to manage any future outbreak of swine flu.

"There is no need for people to feel alarmed by the current swine flu situation.

"If you have not recently travelled to any of the affected areas or come into contact with someone who has, your chances of becoming infected are low."

She said if anyone was in any doubt, the advice was to stay at home and phone your GP or NHS Direct.

* The NHS has launched a hotline for the latest information on the swine flu outbreak. Call 0800 1 513 513.