Menu
10/01/2011
Fresh Tragedy As North's Swine Flu Level Rises
Northern Ireland's Public Health Agency (PHA) has made a new pledge to update the public on the number of people to have died from the swine flu virus - with the first news being that another person in NI has died from the infection.
However, as the total hit 14 at the weekend, the Director of Public Health for Northern Ireland, Dr Carolyn Harper said: "To allay any public concerns about swine flu here, I can confirm that there is no difference in the current pattern of swine flu in Northern Ireland compared with the rest of the UK.
Dr Harper also stressed that most people who are infected make a full recovery as she noted: "NI is consistent with the pattern we have seen through the pandemic last year," she said.
"This is an infection which particularly affects people with an underlying condition and there's been no change to that pattern."
Meanwhile, details of the latest person to have died are not being released as the number of fatalities in Northern Ireland as a result of swine flu has risen to 14, and the age of the latest victim has not been released.
The PHA came under fire last week for refusing to confirm the number of swine flu deaths, or the number of people hospitalised through the virus locally.
Now it is known that the number of people treated for H1N1 swine flu in Northern Ireland increased from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
Dr Harper continued: "I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of people who have died from swine flu. It is a sad reminder that swine flu, whilst an unpleasant but typically mild illness for most people, can also be a very serious illness, particularly for those with underlying health problems.
"People should continue to follow the advice we've given about using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands often, and staying at home, or off school, if you have flu symptoms."
She noted that figures would be updated again on Thursday as part of the PHA Flu Bulletin.
(BMcC/GK)
However, as the total hit 14 at the weekend, the Director of Public Health for Northern Ireland, Dr Carolyn Harper said: "To allay any public concerns about swine flu here, I can confirm that there is no difference in the current pattern of swine flu in Northern Ireland compared with the rest of the UK.
Dr Harper also stressed that most people who are infected make a full recovery as she noted: "NI is consistent with the pattern we have seen through the pandemic last year," she said.
"This is an infection which particularly affects people with an underlying condition and there's been no change to that pattern."
Meanwhile, details of the latest person to have died are not being released as the number of fatalities in Northern Ireland as a result of swine flu has risen to 14, and the age of the latest victim has not been released.
The PHA came under fire last week for refusing to confirm the number of swine flu deaths, or the number of people hospitalised through the virus locally.
Now it is known that the number of people treated for H1N1 swine flu in Northern Ireland increased from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
Dr Harper continued: "I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of people who have died from swine flu. It is a sad reminder that swine flu, whilst an unpleasant but typically mild illness for most people, can also be a very serious illness, particularly for those with underlying health problems.
"People should continue to follow the advice we've given about using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands often, and staying at home, or off school, if you have flu symptoms."
She noted that figures would be updated again on Thursday as part of the PHA Flu Bulletin.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 October 2010
'At Risk Groups' Urged To Get Flu Jab
The Irish health service has today launched it's 'flu vaccination programme and has called on "at risk groups and pregnant women" especially to take up the vaccination. The Health Service Executive (HSE) today reminded everyone at risk of influenza this winter to "get the vaccine, not the 'flu!" which also protects from swine flu.
'At Risk Groups' Urged To Get Flu Jab
The Irish health service has today launched it's 'flu vaccination programme and has called on "at risk groups and pregnant women" especially to take up the vaccination. The Health Service Executive (HSE) today reminded everyone at risk of influenza this winter to "get the vaccine, not the 'flu!" which also protects from swine flu.
18 December 2009
Shock Reminder Of Deadly Flu Virus
Although GP consultation rates in the North 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 in the North 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.
21 August 2009
'Sadness' As Swine Flu Death Revealed
The North has suffered its first swine flu fatality. The woman died last night having been previously diagnosed with swine flu. She passed away in hospital and it is understood she had an underlying health condition.
'Sadness' As Swine Flu Death Revealed
The North has suffered its first swine flu fatality. The woman died last night having been previously diagnosed with swine flu. She passed away in hospital and it is understood she had an underlying health condition.
27 January 2011
Swine Flu Claims Three More Irish Lives
While the health protection authorities have said the swine flu virus "has peaked" there were still two more deaths in the North from swine flu last week and a further fatality in the Republic.
Swine Flu Claims Three More Irish Lives
While the health protection authorities have said the swine flu virus "has peaked" there were still two more deaths in the North from swine flu last week and a further fatality in the Republic.
20 August 2009
Heart Disease 'Link' In Swine Flu Death
Unconfirmed reports today say that the second person to die from swine flu in Ireland did in fact have a history of illness. The 55-year-old Dublin bank official was at first thought not to have had an underlying condition, but the Irish Times has reported today that he suffered a heart attack some months ago.
Heart Disease 'Link' In Swine Flu Death
Unconfirmed reports today say that the second person to die from swine flu in Ireland did in fact have a history of illness. The 55-year-old Dublin bank official was at first thought not to have had an underlying condition, but the Irish Times has reported today that he suffered a heart attack some months ago.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most. It will turn mostly dry towards dawn, although a few patches of light rain or drizzle continuing, mainly in the southwest. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
