Weekly swine flu bulletin
Thursday, 28 January 2010The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has today published its weekly flu bulletin.
This bulletin includes data for week ending Friday 22 January (Wk 3) and gives a good representation 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 decreased from 36.1 in Wk 2 to 23.2/100,000 population in Wk 3 (36% decrease). Rates remain well below the Northern Ireland threshold for seasonal influenza activity.
- Out of hours calls for ‘flu/FLI decreased this week from 75 in Wk 2 to 65 in Wk 3 (13% decrease).
- One swine flu detection in Wk 3 compared to two in Wk 2.
- A cumulative total of 1,359 swine flu detections in Northern Ireland as at noon 27 January 2010.
- A cumulative total of 574 (updated) hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon on 27 January 2010.
- The number of RSV detections decreased from 46 in Wk 2 to 27 in Wk 3 (41% decrease).
- There were no new hospitalised cases reported in Wk 3.
- Death in an adult female with underlying health conditions who tested positive for swine flu. This brings the total number of swine flu related deaths in Northern Ireland to eighteen at 27 January 2010.
- Antiviral prescriptions have increased from 32 in Wk 2 to 46 in Wk 3 (44% increase). The total number of antivirals issued was 24,035 as at noon on 27 January.
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."
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said: “I welcome the continued decline in swine flu consultations, detections and hospitalisations; however I am concerned that this will lead to complacency on the part of the public. I must reinforce the importance of vaccination of those in the at risk groups.
“One particular group which I must highlight are children aged from six months to five years. This age group has seen the highest rate of hospitalisations during the pandemic. The H1N1 virus is likely to be circulating next winter, so take up the opportunity to protect your child for the future. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against the swine flu virus.
“Thanks to the sterling efforts of staff in Primary Care and Trusts, the majority of adults and children in these high risk groups have been vaccinated already. However anyone in these groups who has not been vaccinated should contact their GP to arrange to receive it.
Dr McBride continued: "Experts advise us that it is likely that pandemic H1N1 (2009) will be the predominant ‘flu virus in the 2010 influenza season. Currently, many people have felt reassured by the fall in the number of cases of swine flu and the relatively mild illness experienced by the majority of people. However, when the virus does return, deaths and hospitalisations should not be taken lightly since the illness is now preventable by vaccination.
“As well as taking up the offer of 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 the nidirect website, 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 for children from six months to five years was announced on 19 November 2009 and is currently well under way.
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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