HEALTH chiefs have warned residents who think they have swine flu to stay away from King George Hospital in Ilford, as it struggles to cope with large numbers of people demanding testing for the virus.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospital Trust (BHRHT) have said the accident and emergency department at the hospital, along with the nearby Queen's unit in Romford, had been "put under pressure" in recent weeks.

A spokeswoman for the health body said: "Anyone who arrives at an Accident and Emergency department with suspected swine flu will be asked to return home and contact their GP.

"National guidance is in place asking people to call their GP if they suspect they have contracted swine flu.

"Your GP will assess you over the phone by discussing your symptoms.

"If they confirm you have swine flu they will give you a voucher reference number which a healthy friend or relative can use to pick up antivirals for you.

"In the meantime, people should take paracetamol-based cold remedies to reduce fever and other symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and get some rest.

"The vast majority of people who contract swine flu experience very mild symptoms."

Associate Medical Director of BHRHT, Magda Smith, added: “There is plenty of healthcare support in the community if you think you may have swine flu or have been in contact with it.

"Please do not come to the hospital as you may spread the illness and will only be asked to return home.”

The news comes after health chiefs said swine flu was "circulating at large" in Redbridge.