As of Friday 24th July 2009
Official figures state that there are 139,566 confirmed cases of swine flu globally, and there have been 781 deaths.
The UK is reporting increased rates of influenza-like illness in England across most areas, particularly London. The current rate is now above the peak reached in the winter season 08/09. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the medical consultation rate is lower than for normal seasonal influenza-like activity.
To date, there have been 29 deaths in the UK associated with Swine Flu. The majority of these have had underlying medical conditions. The majority of cases continue to be mild.
The government has issued the following guidance for pregnant women.
“Some pregnant women who catch the H1N1 (swine) ‘flu virus will develop complications of the infection (including pneumonia) that could put their own and their baby’s health at risk. The risks are greatest in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It is too early in the pandemic of influenza to be able to quantify these risks for the individual but most pregnant women who catch the disease are likely to make an uncomplicated recovery. Bearing these risks in mind, at present, mothers-to-be are not advised to curtail normal activities such as going to work, travelling on public transport, attending events and family gatherings. Some mothers-to-be may wish to continue their day-to-day activities but exercise their choice now, on a highly precautionary basis, to avoid large densely-populated gatherings where they have little control over personal contact.”
The National Pandemic Flu Service went live this week. Its launch is to be accompanied by a major public information campaign. The National Pandemic Flu Service is made up of a dedicated website https://www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk/ and call centres. People diagnosed with swine flu will be given an authorisation number. A ‘flu friend’ – a friend or relative who does not have swine flu – can use this number to collect antiviral medication from a local antiviral collection point (ACP).
Joint planning with the local PCT for an ACP in St Albans is at an advanced stage. The ACP will be at the Jubilee Centre and we are waiting for the PCT to confirm when it will open, which is expected to be next week.
The Department of Health has contracts with manufacturers to supply sufficient vaccine for the whole population, once it has been developed. These contracts were set up some time ago to ensure the UK is first in the queue. Creating a new vaccine is a complex scientific procedure but based on the manufacturer’s current forecast, it us expected to have around 60 million doses by the end of the year. These predictions are as accurate as possible considering that manufacturers are dealing with the production and testing of complex biological products.
The Council continues to assess the position on an on-going basis, and weekly at the Chief Executive’s Board meeting. We have drawn up a list of key services which will determine which services we will aim to keep going should sickness levels rise to a level that makes this necessary. Heads of Service are discussing their continuity arrangements with their respective Portfolio Holders.