Menu
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.
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.
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.
29 January 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.
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.
20 November 2009
Swine Flu Kills Two More
Two more NI people have fallen victim to swine flu. This week's Department of Health swine flu bulletin - which includes data for the week ending Friday 13 November - revealed that officials had been notified of the deaths of two adults, both of whom tested positive for swine flu, bringing the total of swine flu related deaths within NI to 13.
Swine Flu Kills Two More
Two more NI people have fallen victim to swine flu. This week's Department of Health swine flu bulletin - which includes data for the week ending Friday 13 November - revealed that officials had been notified of the deaths of two adults, both of whom tested positive for swine flu, bringing the total of swine flu related deaths within NI to 13.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
