Flu-like illnesses at record levels

FLU-LIKE illnesses have reached the highest ever recorded levels since surveillance began 11 years ago.

The rate of flu-like illnesses almost doubled over the past two weeks, with the rate increasing in all age groups but particularly in those aged between 15 and 64.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre confirmed yesterday that flu-like illnesses had reached the highest recorded levels since surveillance began during the winter flu season in 2000/2001.

The HPSC also reported two more deaths — one from human swine flu and one from influenza B, with both deaths occurring in patients with underlying medical conditions.

One person who died was under the age of 65 and the other was aged over 65.

Swine flu is the predominant flu virus circulating in Ireland, accounting for 81% of all positive specimens this season.

There have been 393 people with flu-related illnesses hospitalised to date during the influenza season, with 72 admitted to intensive care.

It has also been confirmed that 71 of those admitted to intensive care had swine flu, with one case of influenza A.

The HPSC expects to see continued elevated flu activity for several weeks.

Meanwhile, two adults with no underlying health problems have died from swine flu in the North.

A total of 17 people were killed by the H1N1 virus during this season, the North’s Public Health Agency confirmed.

Its director of public health, Carolyn Harper, said the flu was displaying a similar pattern to last year and the rate of increase in confirmed new cases was slowing.

The virus was behaving the same in the North as the rest of Britain, Ms Harper said.