Swine Flu Update, Thursday, 28th January, 2010, Ireland

Main Category: Swine Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS;  Public Health;  Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 29 Jan 2010 - 13:00 PST

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ILI rate:

The Department of Health & Children and the HSE advised yesterday that the rate of influenza-like illness (ILI) for the week ending Sunday 24th January 2010 (week 3, 2010), was 12.2 per 100,000 population. This is a decrease from the 16.6 per 100,000 population reported during week 2, 2010.

Age-specific ILI rates:

During week 3, 2010, sentinel GPs reported an ILI rate of 6.4 per 100,000 in the 0-4 year age group, and an ILI rate of 3.4 per 100,000 in the 5-14 year age group. The highest sentinel GP age-specific ILI consultation rate occurred in the 65 years and older age group, 24.6 per 100,000.

Hospitalised and ICU cases:

1,058 cases of confirmed pandemic (H1N1) 2009 have been hospitalised to date. 6 cases of confirmed pandemic (H1N1) 2009 currently remain in ICU. 22 patients with confirmed pandemic (H1N1) 2009 have died to date. There have been no additional deaths reported since last week's press statement. This virus can result in serious health complications for those with an underlying medical condition. An advertising campaign was undertaken to remind people that Swine Flu Vaccine is still available and that it is important that people in the risk groups are protected from this flu.

These are

- Clinical at risk patients
- Children under 5
- School Children aged 5 -18 years
- Over 65's
- Household contacts of Children under 6 months of age
- Pregnant Women

If you are in one of these groups and haven't had your free vaccine yet, please arrange to visit a HSE vaccine clinic before February 1st by making an appointment for a vaccination before that date on http://www.swineflu.ie or by contacting the HSE Information Line on 1850 24 1850. s can be seen above, infection rates are particularly high in the over 65's age group and the Department of Health & Children and the HSE would advise those in that group to come forward now to be vaccinated.

Source
Department of Health & Children, Ireland