The bulletin includes data for week ending Friday 5 March (Week 9) and confirms that although flu activity across Northern Ireland is now fluctuating slightly from week to week, all indicators remain at a low level.
The key points are as follows:
- GP consultation rates for combined 'flu/ Flu like illness (FLI) have increased from 14.1 (updated) in Week 8 to 18.5/100,000 population in Week 9 (31% increase). 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 increased from 46 in Week 8 to 49 in Week 9 (7% increase).
- No swine flu detections in Week 9.
- A cumulative total of 1,369 swine flu detections in Northern Ireland as at noon 10 March 2010.
- There was one new hospitalised case reported in Week 9.
- A cumulative total of 580 hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon 10 March 2010.
- The number of RSV detections increased from 4 in Week 8 to 8 in Week 9 (100% increase).
- No new swine flu related deaths have been reported in Week 9. The total number of swine flu related deaths in Northern Ireland remains at 18 as at 10 March 2010.
- Three antiviral courses were prescribed in Week 9. The total number of antivirals issued was 24,155.
Flu activity across Northern Ireland is now fluctuating slightly from week to week, however all indicators remain at a low level. For this reason, from today the bulletin will be produced fortnightly. The next update will be issued on Thursday 25 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 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
