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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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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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
