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29/01/2010
Latest Swine Flu Tragedy Reported
While GP consultation rates for the flu have continued to fall, - down 36% - with rates remaining well below the Northern Ireland threshold for seasonal influenza activity, there has been another swine flu related fatality.
The death of a woman with underlying health conditions who tested positive for swine flu brings the total number of swine flu related deaths in Northern Ireland to 18 at 27 January, with two other local people not listed as they died outside NI.
As well as the tragic death, there was just one swine flu detection last week as compared to two in the previous week, a cumulative total of 1,359 swine flu detections in Northern Ireland.
A cumulative total of 574 hospitalised swine flu cases has also been reported but there were no new hospitalised cases reported.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "Sadly, we have been notified of a further swine flu related death in an adult. I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the family and would ask everyone to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve for their loved one in peace."
NI Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said: "I welcome the continued decline in swine flu consultations, detections and hospitalisations; however I am concerned that this will lead to complacency on the part of the public. I must reinforce the importance of vaccination of those in the at risk groups," he said.
"One particular group which I must highlight are children aged from six months to five years.
"This age group has seen the highest rate of hospitalisations during the pandemic. The H1N1 virus is likely to be circulating next year, so take up the opportunity to protect your child for the future. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against the swine flu virus," he explained.
(BMcC/GK)
The death of a woman with underlying health conditions who tested positive for swine flu brings the total number of swine flu related deaths in Northern Ireland to 18 at 27 January, with two other local people not listed as they died outside NI.
As well as the tragic death, there was just one swine flu detection last week as compared to two in the previous week, a cumulative total of 1,359 swine flu detections in Northern Ireland.
A cumulative total of 574 hospitalised swine flu cases has also been reported but there were no new hospitalised cases reported.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "Sadly, we have been notified of a further swine flu related death in an adult. I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the family and would ask everyone to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve for their loved one in peace."
NI Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride said: "I welcome the continued decline in swine flu consultations, detections and hospitalisations; however I am concerned that this will lead to complacency on the part of the public. I must reinforce the importance of vaccination of those in the at risk groups," he said.
"One particular group which I must highlight are children aged from six months to five years.
"This age group has seen the highest rate of hospitalisations during the pandemic. The H1N1 virus is likely to be circulating next year, so take up the opportunity to protect your child for the future. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against the swine flu virus," he explained.
(BMcC/GK)
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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.
08 January 2010
Swine Flu Claims Latest NI Victim
There has been another fatality from swine flu with yesterday's Department of Health's weekly flu bulletin revealing a further flu related death. This brings the total to 17, as at 6 January, officially - although two other local people have died outside NI from the virus.
Swine Flu Claims Latest NI Victim
There has been another fatality from swine flu with yesterday's Department of Health's weekly flu bulletin revealing a further flu related death. This brings the total to 17, as at 6 January, officially - although two other local people have died outside NI from the virus.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
