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27/11/2009
Swine Flu Outbreak Slowing
The Department of Health has published its now weekly flu bulletin - and the prognosis for NI is 'improving'.
The number of new swine flu cases in Northern Ireland almost halved last week, according to the latest figures.
Although there were 43 new cases, that is good compared to 78 the previous week - a fall of 45%, so things are improving.
Up to 25 November, 1,303 people had been diagnosed with the virus, and 558 had been hospitalised, while the total number of antivirals issued is 22,718.
Best news of all, is that no new swine flu-related deaths were reported in NI.
That's little comfort though to the families of the 15 people from Northern Ireland who have died as a result of it, with 13 falling victim in Northern Ireland, along with one who died in England and one in Spain.
But the positive note continued at yesterday's briefing with a decrease in the number of people consulting their GPs about swine flu symptoms.
NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey (pictured) said: "The further decrease in consultation rates in the past week suggests that our preparations and plans are working.
"However, swine flu still continues to circulate in the community and is particularly affecting the under fives," he said.
"The response to phase one of the vaccination programme has been very encouraging. In Northern Ireland, over 100,000 people in the clinical at-risk groups and about 28,000 health and social care workers have been vaccinated.
"Once the priority groups are vaccinated by mid-December, phase two of the vaccination programme will be rolled out across the UK.
"As part of this, children over six months and under five years will be offered the vaccine through GP practices," he continued.
(BMcC/KMcA)
The number of new swine flu cases in Northern Ireland almost halved last week, according to the latest figures.
Although there were 43 new cases, that is good compared to 78 the previous week - a fall of 45%, so things are improving.
Up to 25 November, 1,303 people had been diagnosed with the virus, and 558 had been hospitalised, while the total number of antivirals issued is 22,718.
Best news of all, is that no new swine flu-related deaths were reported in NI.
That's little comfort though to the families of the 15 people from Northern Ireland who have died as a result of it, with 13 falling victim in Northern Ireland, along with one who died in England and one in Spain.
But the positive note continued at yesterday's briefing with a decrease in the number of people consulting their GPs about swine flu symptoms.
NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey (pictured) said: "The further decrease in consultation rates in the past week suggests that our preparations and plans are working.
"However, swine flu still continues to circulate in the community and is particularly affecting the under fives," he said.
"The response to phase one of the vaccination programme has been very encouraging. In Northern Ireland, over 100,000 people in the clinical at-risk groups and about 28,000 health and social care workers have been vaccinated.
"Once the priority groups are vaccinated by mid-December, phase two of the vaccination programme will be rolled out across the UK.
"As part of this, children over six months and under five years will be offered the vaccine through GP practices," he continued.
(BMcC/KMcA)
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06 January 2011
NI Swine Flu Cases Accelerating
Swine flu, the H1N1 virus is firmly back in the news as new cases continue to rise. A significant jump in infections recorded in Northern Ireland has seen the number of people treated for swine flu increase from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
NI Swine Flu Cases Accelerating
Swine flu, the H1N1 virus is firmly back in the news as new cases continue to rise. A significant jump in infections recorded in Northern Ireland has seen the number of people treated for swine flu increase from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
06 August 2009
Further Swine Flu Cases Confirmed
Lab tested cases of swine flu across Northern Ireland continue to rise. However, while many more people have been diagnosed as swine flu sufferers, the number of laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu have risen by just 16 - a far lower rate of increase than anywhere else in the British Isles.
Further Swine Flu Cases Confirmed
Lab tested cases of swine flu across Northern Ireland continue to rise. However, while many more people have been diagnosed as swine flu sufferers, the number of laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu have risen by just 16 - a far lower rate of increase than anywhere else in the British Isles.
17 December 2009
Shock Reminder Of Deadly Flu Virus
Although GP consultation rates for flu or flu-like symptoms continued their decrease - being down by 19% in the past week - there's been a shocking reminder of the possible deadly consequences of catching swine flu.
Shock Reminder Of Deadly Flu Virus
Although GP consultation rates for flu or flu-like symptoms continued their decrease - being down by 19% in the past week - there's been a shocking reminder of the possible deadly consequences of catching swine flu.
27 July 2009
Tamiflu Prescribed For First Time
An antiviral drug is now being dispensed in NI for the first time. As more people are falling ill with suspected swine flu, Tamiflu is going to patients who present with symptoms.
Tamiflu Prescribed For First Time
An antiviral drug is now being dispensed in NI for the first time. As more people are falling ill with suspected swine flu, Tamiflu is going to patients who present with symptoms.
02 October 2009
Highest Levels Of Swine Flu Reached
The number of visits being made to local GPs by people who fear swine flu infection is continuing to rise. Amid fears of a 'second wave' of infections, the Department of Health's latest weekly flu bulletin - for the week ending Friday 25 September, gives a good representation of the level of flu activity across Northern Ireland.
Highest Levels Of Swine Flu Reached
The number of visits being made to local GPs by people who fear swine flu infection is continuing to rise. Amid fears of a 'second wave' of infections, the Department of Health's latest weekly flu bulletin - for the week ending Friday 25 September, gives a good representation of the level of flu activity across Northern Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
