Fewer than 5,000 people a week are using the NHS swine flu hotline
The government's swine flu helpline for England is closing down after the number of people using it fell to fewer than 5,000 a week.
From Thursday anyone showing symptoms should call their GP instead.
The Department of Health says the helpline could be back up and running in a week if swine flu returns.
The virus has killed more than 400 people in Britain and another 124 are still in hospital with it but experts had warned the UK death toll might be as high as 65,000.
It was launched last July so people with symptoms of the condition could get tamiflu without having to see a doctor and has been used more than a million times.
People are still being urged to get vaccinated against the H1N1 virus, especially pregnant women and young children.
A Department of Health spokesman said: "Our priority remains to vaccinate those most at risk from swine flu, as people are still in hospital from the virus and sadly some have died.
"Given the current welcome reduction in the number of cases, and the need to make sure our response to the pandemic remains proportionate, we have decided to close the national pandemic flu service, including the online and phone self care service."
"From 11 February people with suspected swine flu should stay at home and contact their GP, who will authorise antivirals, if required.
"These will remain available through antiviral collections points until further notice."
- Published21 October 2009
