45 swine flu cases at Worcestershire hospitals

8:20am Friday 31st December 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

THERE have been 45 confirmed swine flu cases seen at Worcestershire hospitals since December 9, it has been revealed.

The number of people with flu like illness is continuing to rise across Worcestershire and at a national level as part of the normal development of seasonal flu.

Swine flu (H1N1) is the main flu virus circulating this year, affecting mostly younger people. many of those most seriously affected have been patients under 65 years with long term conditions, including pregnancy.

NHS Worcestershire and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust are continuing to urge eligible people to get vaccinated against the virus.

People displaying flu-like symptoms are being asked to refrain from visiting patients in hospital to avoid the spread of infection further.

Stuart Bourne, assistant director of public health at NHS Worcestershire, said: “Influenza, or flu is highly contagious and can lead to serious illness or even death.

“The seasonal flu jab is safe and effective and offers protection against the strains of flu that are circulating this winter, including swine flu.

“People at risk from flu and who should be vaccinated include everybody over 65, people in residential care, people under 65 with chronic illnesses, people with lowered immunity to infection as a result of illness or treatment and pregnant women.

“Flu vaccine is also recommended for carers of the elderly and infirm, and health and social care staff.”

He added: “I strongly recommend everyone at risk to be vaccinated against flu as soon as possible.

“They can contact their GP, or pregnant women who can’t get hold of their GP can phone their midwife to arrange vaccination.

“If you catch flu the best advice is to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms, according to manufacturers’ instructions.

“If symptoms are severe, particularly in patients who are vulnerable, you should seek medical advice.”

meanwhile, the number of patients with flu-like illnesses on critical care units in the region has risen over the past week.

A total of 88 patients with suspected or confirmed flu are currently being cared for on critical care units in hospitals across the West Midlands, compared to 56 last week.

For advice on flu and the seasonal flu vaccine log on to worcestershire.nhs.uk/flu-information.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

More News stories Share Close