PHA releases updated information on influenza

The PHA is today publishing data on laboratory-confirmed influenza associated deaths due to the level of public interest in the current situation regarding flu. “It should be noted that these will not represent all influenza-related deaths,” said Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health. “A more reliable indicator of the impact of flu is the mortality data for respiratory infections. That is why we have published those each week in our flu bulletin. “The data shows that respiratory infections remain within the normal range that we would expect to see for this time of year. The public should therefore not be unduly concerned. We see flu every year and, at this stage, the trend in deaths is no different from normal flu seasons and is certainly lower than what we saw during the pandemic.” Based on the information available, from 1 November 2010 to 6 January 2011 the PHA is aware of 13 deaths in people with H1N1 infection. The age range of those who died is from 7 years to 67 years. Of these, further information is being sought on four, in line with our normal process. Of the remaining nine, all had underlying medical conditions. No further information will be provided on any of these individual cases in order to protect patient confidentiality. The data on laboratory confirmed-influenza associated deaths will now be published weekly as part of the routine flu bulletin and will be available on the PHA website. Dr Harper went on to say: “For the majority of people, flu is normally a mild illness. Unfortunately for some, it can be more serious and, as we see every year, tragically, a small number of people will die. I would like to assure the public again that we are closely monitoring the flu situation in Northern Ireland in conjunction with our colleagues in the rest of the UK and Ireland. “The PHA publishes a weekly flu bulletin which shows that the highest rates of infection are in those aged 15–44. This is consistent with the pattern seen across Europe. I would like again to remind the public that people with at-risk medical conditions, pregnant women and those aged 65 and over should have flu vaccine to protect themselves against the circulating flu strains. “Adequate vaccine supplies have been purchased for Northern Ireland well in advance of the flu season and vaccine remains available for those who have not yet had their flu vaccine. If you are in one of the categories I have described and have not had your vaccine, make sure you do so as soon as possible. “The four UK governments take their advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. They are the leading scientific experts on vaccination and continuously monitor the pattern of flu, not just in the UK but internationally. If their advice on vaccination changes, we will of course respond.” Dr Harper added: “We have consistently issued messages for the public in relation to how they can limit the spread of flu. Firstly, through the flu vaccine for at-risk groups, and secondly, by observing good hand hygiene – using a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, disposing of the tissue and washing your hands regularly. “Thirdly, anybody who has flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and take over the counter remedies which may help ease symptoms. Consult your GP if your condition is getting worse. It is important that people with symptoms of respiratory illness do not visit relatives and friends in hospitals in order to limit spread of infection to vulnerable patients. “Lastly, although we are seeing increased cases of flu here we have not yet reached the levels that we would have seen in 2008/09 and are well short of the levels we saw during the pandemic. Anyone who needs further information can get it from www.fluawareni.info which can be accessed directly from the front page of the website of the PHA www.publichealth.hscni.net.”