Weekly swine flu bulletin
Thursday, 7 January 2010The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has today published its weekly flu bulletin.
This bulletin covers both week 52 and week 53. Last week the Department only issued summary data for week 52 as a full bulletin was not available due to the Christmas holiday period.
The data below gives a good indication of the level of flu activity across Northern Ireland.
The key points are as follows:
- GP consultation rates for combined ‘flu/ Flu like illness (FLI)have increased this week from 54.2 in week 51 to 57.2/100,000 population in week 53 (6% decrease).
- The number of RSV detections increased from 77 in week 51 to 93 in week 53 (21% increase).
- Out of hours calls for ‘flu/FLI increased this week from 138 in week 51 to 160 in week 52 and 234 in Week 53. (70% increase). This increase reflects a period GP surgeries were closed.
- Seven influenza detections A/H1N1v in weeks 52 and 53.
- A cumulative total of 1,355 swine flu detections in Northern Ireland as at noon 6 January 2010.
- A cumulative total of 577 hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon on 6 January 2010.
- There were no new hospitalised cases week 52 and 53.
- Last week the Department announced the death of a 92 year old male with underlying health conditions (Week 52). Within the past week (Week 53), the Department has been made aware of a further swine flu related death in an adult, bringing the total of 17, as at 6 January 2010.
- Antiviral prescriptions have decreased from 137 in Week 51 to 48 in Week 53 (65% decrease).
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "Sadly, we have been notified of a further swine flu related death in an adult. I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the 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 Elizabeth Mitchell said: "Throughout the Christmas and New Year period we have seen an increase in the number of calls to out of hours services for flu and flu like illness. Clearly, this was not unexpected given the closure of GP surgeries over the holiday period.
"We have seen a decrease in swine flu detections but other respiratory viruses are circulating and, in particular, there was an increase in detections of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) which can cause flu-like symptoms.
"Swine flu has now been circulating within Northern Ireland since May 2009. We have seen two waves of infection from the virus and our planning and preparation has meant that the likelihood of a further wave has been significantly reduced. This is due in part to the extent in which the virus has already circulated in the community, and also as a result of the very successful vaccination programme in Northern Ireland.
"In Northern Ireland, to date some 240,000 people have received the vaccination. Returns are still coming in so we know that the actual number will be greater. The programme for children aged six months to five years is also underway and I would encourage all parents to take up the offer of the vaccine for their child.
"We know from experience of previous pandemics that flu viruses can be unpredictable so we can not completely rule out the possibility of a further wave. We will therefore continue to monitor the situation carefully and adapt our plans accordingly. The vaccine remains the best way to be protected against swine flu."
Dr Mitchell continued: "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. 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;
- 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.
2. Phase two of the vaccination programme was announced on 19 November 2009. Phase two will target children from six months to five years.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Further information about swine flu can be found on the DHSSPS website and nidirect.
7. 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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