Swine flu child dies in Northern Ireland

[tetano]

A child diagnosed with swine flu in Northern Ireland just over a week ago has died, the Public Health Agency confirmed today.

The pupil went to Ceara School in Lurgan - a special school for children with severe learning disabilities.

Twenty people from Northern Ireland died in last year's swine flu outbreak, including a number of children with severe learning difficulties.

A PHA spokeswoman said: "The PHA can confirm that a child with confirmed flu infection, who attended a school for children with special needs, has sadly passed away.

"The PHA would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the family of this child. This death is a reminder that flu infection can cause serious complications, and indeed death, in those with certain underlying medical conditions."

Children who attend schools for those with severe learning difficulties should receive flu vaccines this year and the PHA has written to their parents and all GPs asking for them to be immunised as soon as possible. This year's vaccine protects against three strains of flu, including H1N1 flu.

The spokeswoman added: "While there is no evidence at present that flu is circulating widely in the community it is impossible to predict when it will.

"We would advise all those who are eligible for flu immunisation to make sure they get it as soon as possible."

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/swine-flu-child-dies-in-northern-ireland-2124329.html

[tetano]

Re: Swine flu child dies in Northern Ireland

A child who was diagnosed with swine flu just over a week ago has died, the Public Health Agency has confirmed.

The child was a pupil at Ceara School in Lurgan, County Armagh - a special school for children with severe learning disabilities.

Twenty people from Northern Ireland died in last year's swine flu outbreak, including a number of children with severe learning difficulties.

The child was one of two people diagnosed with the virus last week.

The other case, involving a man from Northern Ireland, was not linked.
Underlying conditions

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Analysis
Nick Triggle Health reporter, BBC News

The return of swine flu was fully expected. It has long been assumed that the H1N1 virus - to give swine flu its technical name - would be circulating again as part of the normal winter flu outbreak.

In fact, the seasonal flu jabs being given by GPs at the moment incorporate this strain. But as the death in Northern Ireland shows, that does not mean the virus will not claim lives.

However, identifying how many people are actually dying from the virus is tricky. The death announced on Wednesday may have gained national attention, but it is not the first in the UK. Unlike last year, swine flu deaths are not being centrally recorded.

...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11688565

[tetano]

Re: Swine flu child dies in Northern Ireland

Swine flu girl 'was bright light'
Doctor administering swine flu vaccine Special school pupils should have the flu vaccine, the Public Health Agency has said


An eight-year-old girl with swine flu who died was a "bright light" who will be missed by pupils and teachers, her school principal has said.

The girl was a pupil at Ceara School in Lurgan, County Armagh; a special school for children with severe learning disabilities.

School principal Dr Peter Cunningham said: "She had a smile that would light up a room, and she was just a delight to have at our school."

He said parents should be vigilant.

"In so far as my knowledge of the vaccine exists, I would urge people to take up the offer, although that depends on individual circumstances," he said.

While the child's family is not originally from Northern Ireland, and English is not their first language, Dr Cunningham said the family would have been made aware of the H1N1 virus and offered the vaccine.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11690855