Weekly Swine Flu Bulletin
Wednesday, 23 December 2009The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has today published the weekly flu bulletin.
The bulletin includes data for the week ending Friday 18 December (Week 51) and gives a good representation of the level of flu activity across Northern Ireland.
Key points from the bulletin are as follows:
- GP consultation rates for combined ‘flu/ flu like illness have decreased again this week from 62 (updated) in Week 50 to 54.2/100,000 population in Week 51(13% decrease)
- The number of RSV detections has decreased from 92 (updated) in Week 50 to 77 in Week 51 (16% decrease)
- Out of hours calls for ‘flu/flu like illness have decreased this week from 187 in Week 50 to 138 in Week 51 (26%decrease)
- Five swine influenza detections in Wk 51 compared to 15 in Week 50 (67% decrease)
- A cumulative total of 1348 swine flu detections in Northern Ireland as at noon on 23rd December 2009.
- A cumulative total of 574 hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon on 23rd December 2009.
- The number of new hospitalised cases decreased from four in Week 50 to three in Week 51 (25% decrease)
- The Department has been notified of the death of a two year old child with underlying health conditions bringing the total of number of swine flu related deaths to 15 as at 23rd December 2009
- Antiviral prescriptions have decreased from 237 in Week 50 to 137 in Week 51 (42% decrease)
The full weekly flu bulletin is available on DHSSPS website.
“Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “Sadly, we have been notified of the death of a two-year-old child who was confirmed as having swine flu. The child had underlying medical conditions. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family at this very sad time for them. The family has asked everyone to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve for their loved one in peace. I would ask that their wishes are respected.”
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said: “Although the swine flu virus continues to decrease in the community, the public should continue to remain vigilant.
“Phase Two of the vaccination programme which will include the under 5s will begin in the New Year. I would encourage all parents to take up the offer of vaccination for their child. Even though swine flu is not circulating as widely as it has been, it is still with us. Our rates of flu/flu like illness also continue to be highest amongst the 0-4 age group.
Commenting on the change in vaccine dosage for this age group, Dr McBride said "This is good news for parents and children as most will only require one dose of vaccine. We now have enough information about the effectiveness of the vaccine to know that one dose will provide good protection against infection. On balance it was decided that a second dose was not required given the good response to the first dose."
"Children with weakened immune systems will still require two doses of Pandemrix."
Dr McBride continued: “The public have a major role to play in this pandemic, not only looking after themselves, but those they come in contact with by getting the vaccine when it is offered to them. It is the best way for people to be protected against swine flu.
"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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