Increase in suspected swine flu cases

THE number of suspected swine flu cases in region has slightly increased again, with health bosses still predicting a “more significant escalation” towards the end of this month.

THE number of suspected swine flu cases in region has slightly increased again, with health bosses still predicting a “more significant escalation” towards the end of this month.

New figures released by NHS East of England show that the number of unique reference numbers, which people are given when they contact the pandemic flu service, has increased, along with the number of anti-viral drugs handed out to people.

In the past week in the region 5,550 reference numbers were given out and 3,496 anti virals. This is compared to 5,090 reference numbers given out and 3,305 anti-virals collected last week.

The number of people in hospitals in the region in connection to swine flu has also risen, from 18 to 20, and one of these is in critical care. Two weeks ago 10 people were in hospital in the region.

Dr Linda Sheridan, director of Flu Resilience at NHS East of England, said: “There has been a slight increase in the numbers of anti-virals distributed this week, compared with last week. This is not a large increase, but does suggest the early stages of a second wave and we are continuing to monitor the situation very closely.”