Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/cont...gory=news&itemid=NOED09 Oct 2009 07:29:40:527
Swine flu deaths confirmed
SARAH HALL
09 October 2009 11:00
The number of suspected swine flu cases in the region has risen slightly again and two new deaths related to the virus have been confirmed.
New figures released by NHS East of England show that the number of unique reference numbers, which people are given when they contact the pandemic flu service, has increased, along with the number of anti-viral drugs handed out to people.
In the past week in the region 5,556 reference numbers were given out and 3,683 anti-virals collected, compared to 5,550 reference numbers given out the week before and 3,496 anti-virals collected.
The deaths involve a young person who has ?serious underlying health problems? and a woman who had no significant underlying conditions.
Further tests are under way, but it appears at this stage that, while this lady tested positive for the swine flu virus, it was not the primary cause of her death.
The families of the two patients have asked that no further details be released to protect the confidentiality of their loved ones.
Dr Linda Sheridan, director of flu resilience for NHS East of England, said: ?I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families as they come to terms with their sad loss. ?People should not be unduly alarmed. The swine flu virus is mild in most cases, but sadly in some cases can be more severe. ?As with all flu like viruses, some people are at higher risk than others. Swine flu does affect some people more than others, that is why it is important to contact the National Pandemic Flu Service for antiviral treatment if you need it.
?It is also important for people in at risk groups to get vaccinated - your GP will contact you if you fall in to one of these groups.?
Meanwhile the country's chief medical officer said Britain may be experiencing a ?lucky break? as the rate at which swine flu is spreading is actually slowing down.
A second wave of the pandemic was under way but current figures suggested the expected peak could be lower than was previously thought, Sir Liam Donaldson said.
An estimated 18,000 new cases were reported in England this week, up from 14,000 the previous week and 9,000 the week before that. But the rate of increase is nowhere near the weekly doubling experts had feared.
Sir Liam said: ?It is proving so far to be a slow burner. It's possible it might peak at a lower and earlier level than expected which would be incredibly positive news.?
However, the H1N1 flu virus has killed two children in less than 48 hours in Northern Ireland.
For more information log onto www.direct.gov.uk.pandemicflu
Swine flu deaths confirmed
SARAH HALL
09 October 2009 11:00
The number of suspected swine flu cases in the region has risen slightly again and two new deaths related to the virus have been confirmed.
New figures released by NHS East of England show that the number of unique reference numbers, which people are given when they contact the pandemic flu service, has increased, along with the number of anti-viral drugs handed out to people.
In the past week in the region 5,556 reference numbers were given out and 3,683 anti-virals collected, compared to 5,550 reference numbers given out the week before and 3,496 anti-virals collected.
The deaths involve a young person who has ?serious underlying health problems? and a woman who had no significant underlying conditions.
Further tests are under way, but it appears at this stage that, while this lady tested positive for the swine flu virus, it was not the primary cause of her death.
The families of the two patients have asked that no further details be released to protect the confidentiality of their loved ones.
Dr Linda Sheridan, director of flu resilience for NHS East of England, said: ?I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families as they come to terms with their sad loss. ?People should not be unduly alarmed. The swine flu virus is mild in most cases, but sadly in some cases can be more severe. ?As with all flu like viruses, some people are at higher risk than others. Swine flu does affect some people more than others, that is why it is important to contact the National Pandemic Flu Service for antiviral treatment if you need it.
?It is also important for people in at risk groups to get vaccinated - your GP will contact you if you fall in to one of these groups.?
Meanwhile the country's chief medical officer said Britain may be experiencing a ?lucky break? as the rate at which swine flu is spreading is actually slowing down.
A second wave of the pandemic was under way but current figures suggested the expected peak could be lower than was previously thought, Sir Liam Donaldson said.
An estimated 18,000 new cases were reported in England this week, up from 14,000 the previous week and 9,000 the week before that. But the rate of increase is nowhere near the weekly doubling experts had feared.
Sir Liam said: ?It is proving so far to be a slow burner. It's possible it might peak at a lower and earlier level than expected which would be incredibly positive news.?
However, the H1N1 flu virus has killed two children in less than 48 hours in Northern Ireland.
For more information log onto www.direct.gov.uk.pandemicflu