NHS West Midlands has reported that cases of swine flu have continued to spread across the region this week.

But the reported rate of GP consultations for people reporting flu or a flu like illness (per 100,000 population) within the region this week has fallen, according to latest surveillance data, from 213.9 during last week to 200.1.

The rate for the West Midlands is lower than the England and Wales rate of 227.3.

For the period July 23 to 29, there have been no more swine flu related deaths.

The number of deaths where there has been a positive test of swine flu in the West Midlands remains at six. The total number of new admissions of people with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the region for the above period is 116.

There are currently 65 Anti-Viral Collection points open across the West Midlands which, the NHS says, is sufficient to meet the level of demand at this present time.

Should the need for more collection points arise there are plans in place to open more.

To date nearly 19,000 people have collected anti-virals from one of these collection points in the region.

The NHS added that the National Flu Pandemic Service that was launched last week has assessed more than 45,000 people from across the region.

Dr Rashmi Shukla, Regional Director Public Health, NHS West Midlands, said: "We wish to take this opportunity to remind the public that for most people this is not a serious illness and that they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.

"However, for some people, including those with other serious medical conditions, it may be a more serious illness when a virus like this is circulating. If you have flu-like symptoms and you have long term health problems then it is important that you talk to your doctor."