City expert's swine flu guide for parents

By rparsons rob parsons

A NOTTINGHAM child health expert has written a book of advice for parents on how to deal with swine flu.

Professor Terence Stephenson's book Swine Flu – What Parents Need to Know comes out today.

The father-of-two, a paediatrician at the Queen's Medical Centre, has aimed the book at parents confused about swine flu or worried about how to protect their children.

It features chapters on what a pandemic is, the symptoms of swine flu, anti-viral drugs and antibiotics and how to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus.It is thought to be the first book about swine flu to be aimed at parents.

Prof Stephenson started researching it in July, when the first wave of swine flu was at its height. He said: "I could only reach so many people by talking to individuals. There were a lot of scare stories around and I was trying to do something a bit more balanced. I would love it if I never sold a copy of the book because that would be good news for the children, but you have to be realistic."

Prof Stephenson researched the work by drawing on his knowledge as a paediatrician and articles published on the illness. It was timed to hit the stores before the second wave of swine flu, expected from the end of this month.

He said: "Trying to write a book in the middle of a pandemic is very difficult because things are always changing.

"I wouldn't view this as perfect, but the things that are common sense won't change.''

In the introduction, Prof Stephenson writes: "I hope this book brings together the essential information you need to know as a parent. Much of it is just common sense and already widely available in many different books, leaflets and websites, but it would obviously take many hours to find it and many more to decipher it.

"Not an easy thing to do in the middle of the night when you are worried about your ill child."

Prof Stephenson is a Professor of Child Health at the University of Nottingham and lives near the QMC, but is leaving at the end of September for a post in London. He is president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

In 2002, a set of guidelines for more accurate diagnoses of children's conditions he helped develop at the Queen's Medical Centre was rolled out nationally.

The number of patients visiting GPs with suspected swine flu in Notts has gone down in recent months. But officials in the county's health service are bracing themselves for an increase from the end of September. The majority of cases have been mild – but it is feared a large number of cases could put pressure on services.

Swine Flu – What Parents Need to Know is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, recommended retail price £7.99. It is available at www.jkp.com, www.amazon.co.uk and book stores.

robert.parsons@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk