Swine flu fears for CF group

THE CYSTIC FIBROSIS Association is concerned that, following the death of 18-year-old Darina Calpin, those suffering with lung disease could be at greater risk from swine flu.

Darina, from Co Sligo, suffered from Cystic Fibrosis and was struck down with the virus six days before she died. The first Irish fatality from H1N1, she died in Tallaght Hospital.

The CF organisation, while stating that other CF sufferers have recovered from swine flu, warned that CF sufferers need to obtain the H1N1 vaccine at the same time as frontline health workers.

“We would advise that people living with CF, their family and friends, should neither be alarmist or complacent. What is needed now is more specific guidance from the HSE to people with CF to complement the general advice already available,” CFA spokesman Phillip Wyatt said.

So far 27 people have died from swine flu in Britain and medical experts expect more deaths from the virus in Ireland. An Irish college in the Donegal Gaeltacht was closed this week because of an outbreak and there are fears that the spread of the disease will accelerate when schools re-open next month.

The CFA also requested that the media respect the need of Darina Calpin’s family for privacy.