SWINE flu cases in the North West have increased for the second week in succession.
But health chiefs say for most people affected, the virus is “mild to moderate.”
The number of anti-virals collected in the region on September 23 has doubled from the number collected two weeks ago on September 9 from 522 to 1,086. The number of people being treated in hospital has gone up to 39 from 25 a week ago.
Dr Ruth Hussey, North West Regional Director for Public Health said, “We’ve seen a rise in the number of swine flu cases and a small increase in the number of people being treated in hospital, but it is too early yet to say definitely that this is the start of the second wave. “There are a couple of factors that could be affecting the numbers, the main one being the return to school, with five outbreaks in schools in the North West in the past fortnight. We will have a much clearer picture in a couple of weeks when we’ve had time to look at the trend.”
Dr Hussey praised the public response to the swine flu pandemic so far. “It is clear that people are following national advice, staying at home and using the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) and this is helping the NHS to manage its services.”
Dr Hussey repeated the message that practising good respiratory and hand hygiene is key to stopping the spread of the virus. “We need everyone to be vigilant over the next few weeks.
“Using disposable tissues when you cough and sneeze and, washing your hands regularly will help to protect yourself, your family and friends and your colleagues.”
Some of the symptoms of swine flu are the sudden onset of a high temperature of 38 degrees or above and two or more of the following: cough or shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or a loss of appetite.
Anyone who thinks they may have contracted the swine flu virus can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1 513 513 for information or 0800 1 513 100 for treatment.
Information on the HPA website can be found at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_178075 and
http://www.hpa.nhs.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1247816586652
Swine flu on the increase again
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
