Health chiefs are urging people to appoint a "swine flu friend" to help them should they get struck down by the virus.

NHS North Somerset is encouraging people to ask a member of family or a friend to become their flu friend as the illness takes grip across the district.

The swine flu buddy would act as a link for the sufferer, being asked to go and collect any anti-viral medication needed.

The flu friend could also go to the surgery and collect a voucher on behalf of the victim and take it to a pharmacy to exchange it for the medicine.

A spokesman for NHS North Somerset said: "Flu friends will play a vital role in the successful treatment of swine flu.

"It is important for people to think now about who can be their flu friend and try to ensure that a friend, neighbour, partner or family member is willing and able to act on their behalf if they contract the illness."

Doctors are no longer providing preventative treatment for people who have come into contact with someone diagnosed with swine flu.

Instead they are asking people who think they may have the virus to call them for a telephone consultation.

The GP will then diagnose the patient over the phone and, if necessary, prescribe medication.

"Anyone who is diagnosed by telephone and does not have a flu friend to collect their voucher and medication can speak to their doctor about alternative ways of receiving anti-viral medicine," added the NHS spokesman.

People at highest risk from the effects of the virus – including people with chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, under fives, over 65s and pregnant women – get priority access to treatment.

National guidance for schools has now been updated and closures will only be agreed in exceptional cases.

For more advice on swine flu, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.