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10/12/2009
Drop In Swine Flu Cases
There has been a further drop in cases of swine flu across Northern Ireland, according to the Department of Health's latest flu pandemic bulletin.
No swine flu related deaths have been reported within the last week and GP consultation rates for the combined flu have decreased by 24% from 99.2 per 100,000 population to 74.9.
NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey commented: "I am very encouraged by the continued decrease in the key indicators.
"We are now experiencing the same level of flu activity as this time last year. This general downward trend of the figures is very encouraging and suggests that our preparations and plans are working."
Swine flu is particularly affecting children under five.
"Of nine new hospitalised cases this week, five of these were in children under five. This highlights the need to vaccinate these young children as soon as soon as possible," Mr McGimpsey said.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, paid tribute to the work of staff in Trusts and primary care who are delivering the vaccination programme.
He said: "Planning this programme has been a major undertaking and I am also very appreciative of all those from a wide range of organisations who have worked together to make this possible."
The total number of swine flu related deaths across NI remains at 13, while the British Medical Journal's website, bmj.com, today revealed that there were 26 deaths out of every 100,000 cases of swine flu in England (a fatality rate of 0.026%).
The authors of the new research concluded that "the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century is considerably less lethal than was feared in advance".
See: Swine Flu Deaths 'Less Than Expected'
See: No Further Swine Flu Deaths In NI
(GK/BMcc)
No swine flu related deaths have been reported within the last week and GP consultation rates for the combined flu have decreased by 24% from 99.2 per 100,000 population to 74.9.
NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey commented: "I am very encouraged by the continued decrease in the key indicators.
"We are now experiencing the same level of flu activity as this time last year. This general downward trend of the figures is very encouraging and suggests that our preparations and plans are working."
Swine flu is particularly affecting children under five.
"Of nine new hospitalised cases this week, five of these were in children under five. This highlights the need to vaccinate these young children as soon as soon as possible," Mr McGimpsey said.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, paid tribute to the work of staff in Trusts and primary care who are delivering the vaccination programme.
He said: "Planning this programme has been a major undertaking and I am also very appreciative of all those from a wide range of organisations who have worked together to make this possible."
The total number of swine flu related deaths across NI remains at 13, while the British Medical Journal's website, bmj.com, today revealed that there were 26 deaths out of every 100,000 cases of swine flu in England (a fatality rate of 0.026%).
The authors of the new research concluded that "the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century is considerably less lethal than was feared in advance".
See: Swine Flu Deaths 'Less Than Expected'
See: No Further Swine Flu Deaths In NI
(GK/BMcc)
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06 January 2011
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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.
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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.
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05 February 2010
Swine Flu Cases Still Falling
The level of flu activity across Northern Ireland has again dropped. The Department of Health's weekly flu bulletin - covering the week ending Friday 29 January shows that GP consultation rates for flu have decreased from 23.2/100,000 population to 18.1/100,000 -a 22% decrease.
Swine Flu Cases Still Falling
The level of flu activity across Northern Ireland has again dropped. The Department of Health's weekly flu bulletin - covering the week ending Friday 29 January shows that GP consultation rates for flu have decreased from 23.2/100,000 population to 18.1/100,000 -a 22% decrease.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
