Swine Flu

The rate of suspect cases in our area has risen but only slightly, based on the weekly numbers of GP consultations for flu-like symptoms in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. However, the number of antiviral medicines issued per week fell compared to recent weeks’ rates. The vaccination programme is being rolled out as planned.

Vaccination programme
Dr Tim Davies, speaking on behalf of the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, said: “Vaccination of very high risk patients and frontline health and social care staff has already begun and a number of clinics are scheduled for next week.

“These people are both at an increased risk of getting swine flu and of passing it on to those they care for. We want all eligible staff to have the vaccine to protect themselves and others. We expect delivery of vaccine so that we can start the programme in general practice within the next couple of weeks.”

People in the list of priority groups (outlined below), whose condition is already known to their GPs, and who qualify for the swine flu vaccine, will be contacted by their GP.

The following priority patient groups qualify for swine flu vaccination:

1. People aged over six months and under 65 years in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups
2. All pregnant women
3. Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems, eg, people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer
4. People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups.

A leaflet about swine flu vaccination has been prepared by the Department of Health. Click this link for a copy - http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/04April/Documents/SF-vaccination-leaflet.pdf

Seasonal flu
Seasonal flu and swine flu are different and require separate vaccinations. There is an immunisation programme for seasonal flu each year for those at risk of secondary conditions. GPs contact those who are already known to be eligible for this jab. For clarification of ‘seasonal flu at risk groups’ please refer to the Department of Health leaflet, which you can download by using this link:- “Seasonal Flu – why you should have the vaccination” – and look under the question “Are you at greater risk from the effects of seasonal flu?” You will need Acrobat Reader to read the pdf file.

Those who are eligible for both the seasonal flu and swine flu vaccines are able to have them at the same time. GPs will discuss with individual patients how the vaccine will be delivered.

Suspect cases
The rate of GP consultations for flu-like symptoms in the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland area, which rose gradually during September and the beginning of October, appears to have risen slightly. These figures are used as a rough indicator of the scale of suspected swine flu infection in an area, but it is important to remember the reported symptoms may not have been caused by swine flu.

In Leicester between 26 October and 1 November, the GP consultation rate for influenza-like illness was 49 per 100,000. This is an increase from the previous week where the rate was 39 per 100,000.

The rate for Leicestershire and Rutland rose slightly to 34 per 100,000 in the same period. The previous week’s rate was 29.

There has been a fall off in the number of antivirals issued across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland towards the end of October. The week’s total distributed was 1,285, compared to the previous week’s 1,402. Antivirals tackle the early stages of the illness for those who have already contracted it. They are not vaccines.

Regional overview
Over the last week 3 NHS areas in the region saw a decrease in GP consultations for influenza-like illness, 1 NHS area remained unchanged, and 5 NHS areas saw a slight increase in consultations, such as those in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Rates within the East Midlands remain low overall, and changes in rates are expected as we move between seasons.

National picture
The national picture is mixed with about half the NHS areas seeing an increase and half seeing a decrease, while a tiny number saw no change. The Chief Medical Officer for England and Wales, Sir Liam Donaldson, summarised the situation in his latest briefing in these terms:-

• Small increase in rates of influenza-like illness
• Use of the National Pandemic Flu Service has levelled off
• There has been a further rise in hospitalisations
• The number of patients in critical care has increased
• There has been a further increase in the number of deaths related to swine flu
• Vaccination of priority groups continues

The key messages remain …
We cannot afford to be complacent. Nationally, of those who do contract the condition, there has been an increase in the numbers in intensive care. Diligent hand, home and workplace hygiene are important in preventing the spread of the swine flu virus. The longer it remains on hands and hard surfaces, the more risk there is of passing it on. Washing is the best weapon.

• Ensure a good supply of tissues is available to always catch sneezes
• Dispose of dirty tissues immediately and carefully in a bin
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Clean hard surfaces frequently such as door handles, tables, desks, counters.

Flu-like symptoms?
If you think you have swine flu, stay at home and check your condition using the National Pandemic Flu Service. They assess your symptoms and, if required, explain how to collect medication. Go to www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or telephone 0800 15 13 100 or Minicom 0800 15 13 200 for an assessment.

Call your GP directly if you have a serious underlying illness, or if you are pregnant or have a sick child under one. Also call your doctor if your condition suddenly gets much worse or symptoms last more than a week. Please do not visit your GP, pharmacist, A&E, the Urgent Care Centre or walk-in centres. You risk spreading the illness to others and causing delays for patients needing more urgent medical care.

Those with diabetes, heart, circulation and lung diseases are more at risk of developing secondary infections in the event of catching flu. Key messages include warnings to ask people in these categories to contact their GP, if they suspect flu symptoms. Normally they are asked to take antivirals as soon as possible. The same warning applies to patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and children under five.

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