A SWINE flu hotline and dedicated website have been set up. Two antiviral collection points have also been made available to Hertfordshire residents in response to the new service. Dr Jane Halpin, director of public health at NHS Hertfordshire said: The

A SWINE flu hotline and dedicated website have been set up.

Two antiviral collection points have also been made available to Hertfordshire residents in response to the new service.

Dr Jane Halpin, director of public health at NHS Hertfordshire said: "The new arrangements mean a change to what people should do if they think they may have swine flu.

"If you have flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough, a headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite you should use the new National Pandemic Flu Service.

"If you are diagnosed as having swine flu then you will be given a special authorisation number which you can use to obtain antivirals if you chose to do so."

The hotline number is 08001 513 100, and it is open 8am - midnight, seven days a week. The web address is www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu.

The collection points announced yesterday are located in Watford and Welwyn Garden City, but an NHS spokesman said more may be set up across Hertfordshire depending on demand.