The bulletin includes data for week ending Friday 26 February (Week 8) 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 18.3 (updated) in Week 7 to 14.3/100,000 population in Week 8 (22% decrease). Rates are significantly lower than the same week last year and remain well below the Northern Ireland threshold for seasonal influenza activity.
- Out of hours calls for ‘flu/FLI decreased from 52 in Week 7 to 46 in Week 8 (12% decrease).
- One swine flu detection in Week 8 compared to two in Week 7.
- A cumulative total of 1,369 swine flu detections in Northern Ireland as at noon 3 March 2010.
- There were two new hospitalised cases reported in Week 8.
- A cumulative total of 580 (provisional figure) hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon 3 March 2010.
- The number of RSV detections decreased from 5 in Week 7 to 4 in Week 8 (20% decrease).
- No new swine flu related deaths have been reported in Week 8. The total number of swine flu related deaths in Northern Ireland remains at 18 as at 3 March 2010.
- No antiviral courses were prescribed in Week 8. The total number of antivirals issued was 24,149.
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said: "While swine flu is now circulating much less widely in the community, it should be remembered that the virus itself has not changed. This means that people are less likely to come in contact with the virus, however for those who do become infected, the virus poses just as much risk as it has done all along.
"The vaccination programme is still ongoing and I have just received the latest provisional uptake rates for vaccination. I am pleased to report that in Northern Ireland we have achieved an uptake rate of 86.5% for those aged under 65 in at risk groups and 74.9% for those over 65 in at risk groups.
"We have received further advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation(JCVI). Based on their advice, and the high uptake of vaccine in the at risk groups in Northern Ireland, the current formal vaccination programme will end on 31 March. Vaccine will continue to be available to any unvaccinated patients who have newly come into one of the at risk groups after developing an illness or becoming pregnant. Those people in at risk groups, along with frontline health and social care workers who have not yet taken up the offer of vaccine can still do so during the spring and summer.
"It is particularly important to note that the programme for otherwise healthy children will not be continued beyond the end of March, on the advice of JCVI. I would strongly urge any parent who has not yet taken up the offer of vaccine for their child to do so by the 31 March."
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 is in 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 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
