Weekly swine flu update
Wednesday, 30 December 2009The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has today published its weekly flu update.
This week’s update (week 52) provides summary data from the week ending Friday 25 December. A full bulletin is not yet available due to the Christmas holiday period. However, the available data below gives a good indication of the level of flu activity across Northern Ireland.
Based on the figures available the key points are as follows:
- GP consultation rates for combined ‘flu/ FLI have decreased this week from 54.2 in week 51 to 30.6/100,000 population in week 52 (44% decrease). Rates this week may be influenced by the holiday period.
- The number of RSV detections increased from 77 in week 51 to 105 in week 52 (36% increase).
- Out of hours calls for ‘flu/FLI increased this week from 138 in week 51 to 160 in week 52 (16% increase).
- Four influenza detections A/H1N1v in week 52 compared to five in week 51 (20% decrease). · A cumulative total of 1,349 swine flu
detections in Northern Ireland as at noon on 30 December 2009.· A cumulative total of 574 hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon on
29 December 2009.
- There were no new hospitalised cases week 52.
- Within the last week, a 92 year old male with underlying health conditions has died, bringing the total of swine flu related deaths to 16, as at 30 December 2009
- Antiviral prescriptions have decreased from 137 in Week 51 to 121 in Week 52.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “Sadly, we have been notified of the death of a 92 year old male who was confirmed as having swine flu. I would like to express my sincere sympathy to his family and would ask everyone to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve for their loved one in peace.”
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Paddy Woods said: “The summary information we have continues to indicate that swine flu is not circulating as widely as in previous weeks. It is however still with us and I would encourage everyone to remain vigilant.
Dr Woods continued: “The public continues to have a major role to play in this pandemic, not only looking after themselves, but those they come in contact with by getting the vaccine when it is offered to them. It is the best way for people to be protected against swine flu.
"As well as accepting the vaccine when it is offered to you or your child, simple but effective hygiene measures such as frequent hand-washing can also help. Remember to cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then put the tissue into a bin – catch it, bin it, kill it!
“I would like to reassure the public that for the vast majority of people, swine flu remains a relatively mild illness from which you will make a full recovery.
"If you think you have swine flu stay at home, please do not visit your GP practice, pharmacy or A&E in person. People with underlying health conditions who are at higher risk of complications if they develop influenza should call their GP for advice and assessment for antivirals. This includes people with long-term conditions such as diabetes or chronic lung disease. In addition, pregnant women who develop flu-like symptoms should phone their GP promptly. Likewise, parents of children under five years should call their doctor if their child develops flu-like symptoms.
"For otherwise fit and healthy people, there is usually no need to take antivirals. Most people will recover at home by taking simple measures to alleviate symptoms such as resting, taking paracetamol and drinking plenty of fluids. If, however, your condition suddenly deteriorates or is getting worse after seven days (five for a child) then you should contact your GP or out-of-hours service."
For further information visit nidirect, or call the Northern Ireland swine flu helpline on 0800 0 514 142 (9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday); textphone 18001 0800 0 514 142. Information is also available on the swine flu information line 0800 1 513 513.
Notes to editors:
1. A full bulletin for Week 52 will be available next week.
2. The clinical priority groups for the swine flu vaccination programme were identified by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). They are prioritised as they are at greatest risk of complications if they become infected with swine flu, and hence the initial focus on protecting individuals in these groups.
- The priority groups for the swine flu vaccination, in order of priority are:
- Individuals aged six months and up to 65 years in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at risk groups;
- Pregnant women;
- Household contacts of immunocompromised individuals; and
- People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at risk groups.
Frontline health and social care workers are also amongst the first to be offered the vaccine.
3. Phase two of the vaccination programme was announced on 19 November 2009. Phase two will target children from six months to five years.
4. The UK has moved to a treatment phase in relation to managing the swine flu pandemic. This means that our focus is on treating those people who actually have swine flu and in particular those at higher risk of developing complications. In addition, the routine testing of suspected cases and the tracing of close contacts of a symptomatic patient has been discontinued. The level of flu in the community is therefore being monitored using a range of surveillance mechanisms through GP practices, Out of Hours centres, antiviral prescriptions and hospital surveillance systems. This enables us to monitor flu levels and identify trends in activity.
5. Some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu. Those with:
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease
- Immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years
As well as: - Pregnant women
- Young children under five years old
- People aged 65 years and older
It is vital that people in these higher risk groups contact their GP for assessment and if advised to start antivirals should start taking them within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
6. The Northern Ireland swine flu helpline number 0800 0514 142 is a freephone helpline (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) for those who want more information about swine flu. Textphone 18001 0800 0 514 142.
The UK-wide flu information line on 0800 1513 513 provides regularly updated advice on swine flu. This is also a freephone number.
7. Further information about swine flu can be found on the DHSSPS website and nidirect.
8. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
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