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07/05/2009
Public Reassured Over Antivirals Stockpile
An upbeat statement has emerged from the Stormont Minister for Health, Michael McGimpsey on swine flu.
He said this afternoon that he wanted to "again reassure the public that we have no confirmed cases and we are well prepared for any cases that may emerge".
"We currently have a stockpile of antivirals to cover half our population and steps are in place to increase this to treat up to 80% of the population.
"With regard to the production of a vaccine, my department, along with the other UK health departments, has a 'sleeping contract' in place with manufacturers.
"This arrangement reserves our place in the global queue should production of a pandemic specific vaccine become necessary," he confirmed.
"I am also increasing our stocks of antibiotics in case they are needed to treat complications of influenza, particularly pneumonia."
However, he underlined that the public should take "some reassurance" from the fact that most of those who have contracted the virus outside of Mexico, have had a relatively mild flu.
"These are similar to that of seasonal flu," he said, noting that swine flu appears to respond well to treatment with antivirals.
"We should however not be complacent. No-one can say for certain how this virus may change or if the situation will worsen.
"We have been planning for a potential pandemic for a number of years and this country remains amongst one of the best prepared in the world," he continued.
However, he insisted that "government is taking this issue seriously".
"I will continue to monitor the situation closely, working with Ministerial colleagues in other UK administrations and in the Republic of Ireland.
"I will also continue to provide the people of Northern Ireland with the best advice to deal with any emerging situation."
A similar 'be-prepared' message has also been issued by the acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell.
"Our main message to the public is not to be alarmed about recent developments – but to be prepared for a potential pandemic," she said.
See: NI Student's Swine Flu Scare Proves Negative
He said this afternoon that he wanted to "again reassure the public that we have no confirmed cases and we are well prepared for any cases that may emerge".
"We currently have a stockpile of antivirals to cover half our population and steps are in place to increase this to treat up to 80% of the population.
"With regard to the production of a vaccine, my department, along with the other UK health departments, has a 'sleeping contract' in place with manufacturers.
"This arrangement reserves our place in the global queue should production of a pandemic specific vaccine become necessary," he confirmed.
"I am also increasing our stocks of antibiotics in case they are needed to treat complications of influenza, particularly pneumonia."
However, he underlined that the public should take "some reassurance" from the fact that most of those who have contracted the virus outside of Mexico, have had a relatively mild flu.
"These are similar to that of seasonal flu," he said, noting that swine flu appears to respond well to treatment with antivirals.
"We should however not be complacent. No-one can say for certain how this virus may change or if the situation will worsen.
"We have been planning for a potential pandemic for a number of years and this country remains amongst one of the best prepared in the world," he continued.
However, he insisted that "government is taking this issue seriously".
"I will continue to monitor the situation closely, working with Ministerial colleagues in other UK administrations and in the Republic of Ireland.
"I will also continue to provide the people of Northern Ireland with the best advice to deal with any emerging situation."
A similar 'be-prepared' message has also been issued by the acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell.
"Our main message to the public is not to be alarmed about recent developments – but to be prepared for a potential pandemic," she said.
See: NI Student's Swine Flu Scare Proves Negative
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Child flu vaccination services are likely to be delayed in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has warned. GPs will now prioritise children with underlying health conditions and pre-school children over the age of two as routine testing of the Fluenz Tetra nasal vaccine is delayed.
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05 May 2009
Two More NI Flu Cases Under Investigation
As nine more people in the UK have been confirmed as having caught swine flu - bringing the total number to 27 - six cases of possible infection are still under investigation in Northern Ireland, two more than were announced this morning.
Two More NI Flu Cases Under Investigation
As nine more people in the UK have been confirmed as having caught swine flu - bringing the total number to 27 - six cases of possible infection are still under investigation in Northern Ireland, two more than were announced this morning.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
