A MAN with the first confirmed case of swine flu in Daventry has urged people not to panic.
The man in his 30s, who did not want to be named, caught the virus after coming into contact with people who already had it in Birmingham earlier this month.
Although he didn't feel particularly ill he called his doctor who visited his home and to
ok swabs on Tuesday last week and he was told he had the illness on Friday.
The man said: "I could not believe it when I was told the news. I expected to be told I was fine on the Friday, but they said I had swine flu.
"I thought it might have been just a bit of man flu. I have not really been feeling ill, it's not like flu where you feel like you cannot do anything. I have had colds which were worse.
"The main thing I would say to people is not to panic. The Government is doing a good job in trying to contain the problems and the situation is not as bad as it was in Mexico."
The man, who works for Northamptonshire County Council, has been in quarantine at his home since he was visited by his GP and has had to rely on friends for help.
He added: "They have been able to bring me food packages but they have had to leave it in the garden and then I go and pick it up. It has been quite frustrating. All I have been able to do is watch the television and catch up with some reading. The worst thing for me has been the boredom."
He took the last of his anti-viral tablets yesterday and has been told he can return to work if he has not shown any other symptoms.
Northamptonshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has echoed the man's advice and stressed everyone in the county that has been diagnosed with swine flu has been treated at home.
A spokesman for the PCT said: "If people are worried, they should call the swine flu hotline on 0800 1513513 which has been set up by the NHS to deal with the problems."
