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05/02/2010
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.
This means that rates remain well below the Northern Ireland threshold for seasonal influenza activity.
There were no swine flu detections with the cumulative total of 1,361 swine flu detections still current.
There were no new hospitalised cases this week, but there have been a total of 574 (updated) hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon 3 February.
There were no new swine flu deaths this week - although there has been a total 18 swine flu related deaths in Northern Ireland.
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.
"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 winter, so take up the opportunity to protect your child for the future. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against the swine flu virus," he said, noting that "for the vast majority of people, swine flu remains a relatively mild illness from which you will make a full recovery."
See: Swine Flu Vaccine 'Still Vital'
(BmcC/GK)
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.
This means that rates remain well below the Northern Ireland threshold for seasonal influenza activity.
There were no swine flu detections with the cumulative total of 1,361 swine flu detections still current.
There were no new hospitalised cases this week, but there have been a total of 574 (updated) hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon 3 February.
There were no new swine flu deaths this week - although there has been a total 18 swine flu related deaths in Northern Ireland.
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.
"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 winter, so take up the opportunity to protect your child for the future. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against the swine flu virus," he said, noting that "for the vast majority of people, swine flu remains a relatively mild illness from which you will make a full recovery."
See: Swine Flu Vaccine 'Still Vital'
(BmcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
15 January 2010
Flu Pandemic 'Exaggerated'
Northern Ireland's latest swine flu figures are still on the way down.
Flu Pandemic 'Exaggerated'
Northern Ireland's latest swine flu figures are still on the way down.
12 November 2009
Another Death From Swine Flu
While another person in Northern Ireland who had tested positive for swine flu has died, the Department of Health has said, consultations with family doctors in NI over suspected swine flu are slowing. The Department of Health revealed the news as it published a new flu bulletin for Northern Ireland.
Another Death From Swine Flu
While another person in Northern Ireland who had tested positive for swine flu has died, the Department of Health has said, consultations with family doctors in NI over suspected swine flu are slowing. The Department of Health revealed the news as it published a new flu bulletin for Northern Ireland.
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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
