AS the new hotline for swine flu went live yesterday, reporter Anastasia Long hit the streets of Plymouth to see how the city is coping with the outbreak.

NAVID SHARGHI, 36, a taxi driver from Mutley, said: "I don't really know anyone with swine flu, but I've had someone in the car who had it. People who come from other countries seem more worried about it than we are. I've been stocking up at home with paracetamol, vitamins and sanitation gels, because they might be in short supply when the worst of it kicks in, but I can't say that I'm really worried about it yet."

ANGELA CAUNTER, 57, of Laira said: "I'm not worried about it at all; one of my friends has swine flu, but obviously I haven't seen her. I think the quicker everyone gets it, the quicker we'll get over it, because we'll be immune. I wash my hands a lot anyway, but I haven't got any extra pills or anything."

SANDRA NEWMAN, 61, from Higher Compton, who works at Plymouth University, said: "I think the NHS are doing a good job, but I'm a bit worried about this call centre.

"I bet people are going to ring up and say they have the symptoms so that they can get the tablets just in case, and those that need it won't get it because the Government has only bought enough for half the country. I think the media is inclined to exaggerate, but I would rather they did that than hide stuff."."

KERRY LUCK, 24, of Whitley, said: "My daughter had a cold recently, and I was so worried. I checked her temperature 24/7. Two people from the school next to hers had it, and I definitely think that the NHS could do more. They've got to start giving out the vaccine to prevent it.

"I think it's great that swine flu is getting all of this publicity; at least it's not being ignored."

STEVEN AUTTON, 51, from Laira said: "I don't know anyone who has it; my brother thought he did, but there's so much hype about it that I think I have it whenever I sneeze!

"I work for a care company, and we've bought masks, but it's going to be disconcerting to see someone coming into your house with a mask over their face, so I don't know what we're going to do."

DANNY TURNER, 37, from Efford, said: "The Government and the NHS have been a bit slow. I mean, I've had leaflets through the door but they've been very slow with the vaccine.

"It's certainly on the increase in Plymouth and I think people are getting worried about it. I think people should be much more cautious. It's just simple cleanliness to dispose of tissues and to wash your hands."

PAULINE BURRIDGE, 37, who lives in Tamerton Foliot, said: "I don't think the NHS has been doing that good a job. I mean, if you call NHS Direct with anything that isn't life-threatening it's a four-hour wait for the GP to call you back!

"There definitely isn't enough information for those people who have asthma. I mean, me and three of my family have it, but should we get the jab or not? The problem is that the media keeps publishing conflicting stories and you're never sure which one is right. They tend to publish the sensational stuff rather than anything important."

The National Pandemic Flu Service for England is on 0800 1513 100 and the website address is www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu

NHS Plymouth has produced a swine flu advice video featuring local health staff.