McGimpsey confirms UK approach to dealing with swine flu

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has today confirmed that the UK will now move to treatment phase to deal with the swine flu pandemic.

The move means that in Northern Ireland there will be a step by step treatment approach, giving clinicians discretion on how best to treat a patient with swine flu. It means that people who contract swine flu will still be offered antivirals but that they will no longer be used as a preventative measure. In addition, the routine testing of suspected cases and the tracing of close contacts of a symptomatic patient will be discontinued.

Four new cases of swine flu have been confirmed today, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland to 38. Three of the cases are in adults who have recently returned from affected areas. The fourth case is in another child. This is a sibling of an earlier confirmed case at St Ronan’s Primary School. All of these people are recovering well.

The Minister said: “Health Ministers across all four Administrations have noted clear scientific advice that the majority of cases in the UK so far have not been severe. Those people who have contracted the virus have generally made a full and rapid recovery – though a small minority of cases have had more serious illness.

“Ministers have also considered, as we move into the treatment phase, whether we continue to offer antivirals to all patients displaying symptoms or whether a more targeted approach should be adopted, focusing on those most at risk of becoming more seriously ill.

“The Scientific Advisory Group in Emergencies (SAGE) has considered this question and reports that on balance the science points towards adopting a targeted approach, but acknowledges that this is a ‘finely balanced’ decision. Health Ministers are also conscious that, as this is a new virus, it cannot yet with confidence be directly compared to seasonal flu. Given this, we have decided to adopt a safety first, precautionary approach. Antivirals will continue to be offered to people who have contracted swine flu.

“The fact that many people will recover from swine flu without antivirals means it is important that individuals and GPs are able to make an informed decision about appropriate treatment.

“Expert advice emphasises the high importance of treatment with antivirals for those in the higher risk groups. So, we will issue clear guidance to doctors to ensure that those at higher risk get priority access to antivirals, within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

“I acknowledge this is a cautious approach, however, as we discover more about the virus and develop a more precise categorisation of risk groups, we are likely to reassess our approach and move to a more targeted use of antivirals. We will keep this matter under review, with advice from SAGE, and will provide an update when this is necessary.”

Notes to Editors:

• The Northern Ireland swine flu helpline number 0800 0514 142 is a freephone helpline for those who want more information about swine flu.
• The UK-wide flu information line on 0800 1 513 513 provides regularly updated advice on swine flu. This is also a freephone number.
• Further information about swine flu can be found on the DHSSPS website and nidirect.
• Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520636. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.