DOCTORS surgeries in Taunton and Wellington are “coping well” with the arrival of Swine Flu in the area.

Taunton GP and Local Medical Committee secretary Dr Harry Yoxall said the area had not been badly hit compared to other parts of the country.

Dr Yoxall said the dedicated Swine Flu help line and website, launched this week, had been helping relieve the strain on GPs.

He said: “We are finding most people are being quite sensible and going home if they are feeling ill, and calling the help line if they are having any trouble.

“So they’re looking after themselves which is helping us out.

“If someone feels they have got Swine Flu, they should contact the national help line, which is now up and running.

“We are dealing with a lot of people over the phone. Some people are coming into the surgeries but we’re making sure anyone with flu symptoms is kept separate from anyone else.”

But although Swine Flu is yet to have an affect on surgery staff, Dr Yoxall said if they were hit it could become a problem.

He added: “At the moment we don’t have a problem with doctors or staff falling ill.

“If it started to become a problem, with a lot of staff coming down with flu, we would be in trouble.”

* Anyone with flu-like symptoms is being urged to call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800-1513513 or log on to National Pandemic Flu Service by clicking on teh related link.