THE latest figures show a drop in the number of people contacting their GP with suspected swine flu.

Last week about 87 people have called or seen their doctor after suffering flu-like symptoms. The NHS South West pandemic bulletin shows a drop of 13 per cent from the previous week.

The latest figures show three people in hospital in the South West compared with six last week. Cases of swine flu have gone up by 5,000 in the last seven days, compared to 11,000 the previous week.

Nationally, deaths related to swine flu have risen from 54 to 57 although none were in the South West. People worried they have flu symptoms can log on to the Pandemic Flu Service on www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1513100.