PLANS are being drawn up to deal with any major flu outbreak in Bolton.

The borough's health bosses are preparing for a worst-case scenario, which would see 130,000 people falling ill with flu and more than 3,000 deaths.

Previously, international health experts had predicted just 25 per cent of the population would be struck down by flu when the next pandemic a worldwide epidemic hits.

But they are now warning the number of people infected with the potentially deadly virus could soar to 50 per cent.

The World Health Organisation also fears young and middle-aged people could be the worst affected by the virus, if it strikes within the next few years.

There could be an extra 1,000 admissions to the Royal Bolton Hospital during the first three months of a pandemic, and an extra 50,000 GP appointments might be needed.

Bolton's director of public health, Jan Hutchinson, said this would be a worst-case scenario and that preparations are only being made to make sure the borough is ready for any eventuality.

She said: "We are doing everything we possibly can to make sure we have the right plans in place. We are testing them and are thinking of every eventuality so we are as prepared as possible, but we hope most of them will not be needed."

Earlier this year, a mock "mass vaccination" was carried out in Bolton, where 800 people were given "jabs".

The event was hailed nationally as a success.

A flu pandemic could lead to all but emergency cases being treated at GP surgeries, with routine operations and hospital appointments cancelled.

Ms Hutchinson said: "For a short period, we would be focusing on how to deal with people who are ill through the pandemic so only absolutely essential activities would be carried out."

Travel could be restricted, schools closed and mass gatherings banned in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.

The Government is already stockpiling 14.5 million doses of an anti-viral treatment which lessens the severity of flu and shortens its duration.

And there are measures people can take to protect themselves from any virus.

Ms Hutchinsion said: "People should make sure to wash their hands thoroughly, keep surfaces clean, use a tissue when sneezing and dispose of this properly in a plastic bag. Don't cough on other people and, if you are ill, stay at home."