Published: 17/11/2009 00:00 -
Updated: 25/11/2009 08:52
SWINE flu cases are continuing to increase across the West Midlands with four deaths this week, despite a fall nationally, new data has revealed.
According to the latest surveillance data released by NHS West Midlands, which covers Uttoxeter, the reported rate of GP consultations for flu and flu-like illnesses in the region was 54.8 last week which is up from 50.9 the previous week.
This is above the England average of 46.2.
The number of people with swine flu admitted to hospital last week was 206 compared to 203 the previous week.
On Wednesday 102 inpatients were treated at hospitals.
There has been four further swine flu related death in the West Midlands during the week which means that the number of deaths where there has been a positive test of swine flu in the region is now 23.
Regional director of public health Dr Rashmi Shukla said: "Sadly there have been a further four swine-flu related deaths and our thoughts are with the families at this difficult time, and we would like to express our condolences.
"Over the next few weeks the NHS will continue to vaccinate those most at risk of developing severe illness and GPs will be contacting 'at risk' groups to be invited for vaccination.
"For the vast majority this is a mild illness but it can affect a small number of people with other medical conditions very seriously.
"We would advise patients to wait until contacted by their GP for their vaccine but if they have flu-like symptoms before this time, they should get advice from the National Pandemic Flu Service to get fast access to antiviral treatment if needed.
"If is normal to see a rise in respiratory illness, such as flu, at this time of year, and we would like to remind people that to help prevent passing gems on, the best advice is to use a tissue to catch all coughs and sneezes and to throw away the used tissue." GP surgeries, hospitals, primary care trusts and the ambulance staff have been receiving deliveries of the vaccine and are vaccinating their frontline staff.
The West Midlands currently has 89 antiviral collection points open across the region, including Uttoxeter.
A South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) spokesman said: "The numbers of people presenting with an influenza-like illness at Antiviral Collection Points has declined slightly over the last week, however we do anticipate that numbers will increase as we get further into the winter period.
"As a PCT we have robust plans in place to tackle swine flu and are still urging people to remain cautious and continue to support the fight against the spread of Swine Flu." The National Pandemic Flu Service is available on 0800 1513 513 or at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
According to the latest surveillance data released by NHS West Midlands, which covers Uttoxeter, the reported rate of GP consultations for flu and flu-like illnesses in the region was 54.8 last week which is up from 50.9 the previous week.
This is above the England average of 46.2.
The number of people with swine flu admitted to hospital last week was 206 compared to 203 the previous week.
On Wednesday 102 inpatients were treated at hospitals.
There has been four further swine flu related death in the West Midlands during the week which means that the number of deaths where there has been a positive test of swine flu in the region is now 23.
Regional director of public health Dr Rashmi Shukla said: "Sadly there have been a further four swine-flu related deaths and our thoughts are with the families at this difficult time, and we would like to express our condolences.
"Over the next few weeks the NHS will continue to vaccinate those most at risk of developing severe illness and GPs will be contacting 'at risk' groups to be invited for vaccination.
"For the vast majority this is a mild illness but it can affect a small number of people with other medical conditions very seriously.
"We would advise patients to wait until contacted by their GP for their vaccine but if they have flu-like symptoms before this time, they should get advice from the National Pandemic Flu Service to get fast access to antiviral treatment if needed.
"If is normal to see a rise in respiratory illness, such as flu, at this time of year, and we would like to remind people that to help prevent passing gems on, the best advice is to use a tissue to catch all coughs and sneezes and to throw away the used tissue." GP surgeries, hospitals, primary care trusts and the ambulance staff have been receiving deliveries of the vaccine and are vaccinating their frontline staff.
The West Midlands currently has 89 antiviral collection points open across the region, including Uttoxeter.
A South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) spokesman said: "The numbers of people presenting with an influenza-like illness at Antiviral Collection Points has declined slightly over the last week, however we do anticipate that numbers will increase as we get further into the winter period.
"As a PCT we have robust plans in place to tackle swine flu and are still urging people to remain cautious and continue to support the fight against the spread of Swine Flu." The National Pandemic Flu Service is available on 0800 1513 513 or at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
