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31/07/2009
Swine Flu Cases Top 70
The number of confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland continues its slow rise.
The total number of lab-confirmed cases in Northern Ireland up to noon on 29 July stood at 71, according to the Department of Health.
It also published its weekly flu bulletin yesterday and said that while there has still been no related fatalities, there were 10 new cases of confirmed swine flu during the previous week, ('Week 30', ending Friday 24th July).
Health officials said that during that week GP consultations for flu and flu-like illness increased significantly and as would be expected, the GP consultation rate is higher than expected for this time of the year.
It was also revealed that 'Out of Hours' calls for flu and flu-like illness have also increased again.
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell said on Thursday: "There has been a noticeable increase in the number of contacts made to GPs during this period.
"Primary care services continue to cope well despite the increased demand on their services," she insisted.
She advised anyone who is ill and thinks they have swine flu to stay at home, and not visit their GP practice or A&E in person.
"For otherwise fit and healthy people, there is usually no need to take antivirals. Most people will recover at home by taking simple measures to alleviate symptoms such as resting, taking paracetamol and drinking plenty of fluids.
"If, however, a patient's condition suddenly deteriorates or is getting worse after seven days (five for a child) then patients should contact their GP or out-of-hours service," she continued.
"People with underlying health conditions who are at higher risk of complications if they develop influenza should call their GP for advice and assessment for antivirals.
"This includes people with long-term conditions such as diabetes or chronic lung disease," she explained, noting that, in addition, pregnant women who develop flu-like symptoms should phone their GP.
"Likewise, parents of children under five years should call their doctor if their child develops flu-like symptoms."
See: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk
See: Disorder Fears If Swine Flu Crisis Grows
(BMcC/KMcA)
The total number of lab-confirmed cases in Northern Ireland up to noon on 29 July stood at 71, according to the Department of Health.
It also published its weekly flu bulletin yesterday and said that while there has still been no related fatalities, there were 10 new cases of confirmed swine flu during the previous week, ('Week 30', ending Friday 24th July).
Health officials said that during that week GP consultations for flu and flu-like illness increased significantly and as would be expected, the GP consultation rate is higher than expected for this time of the year.
It was also revealed that 'Out of Hours' calls for flu and flu-like illness have also increased again.
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell said on Thursday: "There has been a noticeable increase in the number of contacts made to GPs during this period.
"Primary care services continue to cope well despite the increased demand on their services," she insisted.
She advised anyone who is ill and thinks they have swine flu to stay at home, and not visit their GP practice or A&E in person.
"For otherwise fit and healthy people, there is usually no need to take antivirals. Most people will recover at home by taking simple measures to alleviate symptoms such as resting, taking paracetamol and drinking plenty of fluids.
"If, however, a patient's condition suddenly deteriorates or is getting worse after seven days (five for a child) then patients should contact their GP or out-of-hours service," she continued.
"People with underlying health conditions who are at higher risk of complications if they develop influenza should call their GP for advice and assessment for antivirals.
"This includes people with long-term conditions such as diabetes or chronic lung disease," she explained, noting that, in addition, pregnant women who develop flu-like symptoms should phone their GP.
"Likewise, parents of children under five years should call their doctor if their child develops flu-like symptoms."
See: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk
See: Disorder Fears If Swine Flu Crisis Grows
(BMcC/KMcA)
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Further Swine Flu Cases Confirmed
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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
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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.
12 January 2011
Extra Flu Jabs Allocated To NI
NI's supply of 'normal' seasonal flu vaccine is being supplemented by stocks of the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine, to meet increased demand, it emerged yesterday. Over 410,000 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine, which offers protection against swine flu and other circulating viruses such as Influenza B, have already been distributed to GPs and Trusts.
Extra Flu Jabs Allocated To NI
NI's supply of 'normal' seasonal flu vaccine is being supplemented by stocks of the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine, to meet increased demand, it emerged yesterday. Over 410,000 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine, which offers protection against swine flu and other circulating viruses such as Influenza B, have already been distributed to GPs and Trusts.
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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.
