Flu cases are falling, according to latest figures

Hospital bosses say their staff have worked hard to ensure patients are treated in a timely manner and with high standards of care.

Figures on this winter’s flu situation released today (Thursday 27 January 2011) show that the number of reported cases of people with flu-like symptoms continues to fall.

There have been 40.7 GP consultations per 100,000 in England and Wales. 247 critical care beds are occupied with people with ‘flu-like’ symptoms, which is an improvement to the peak of 850.

72.2% of over 65s and 49.1% of under 65s in risk groups have been vaccinated, and the HPA have confirmed a total of 338 deaths since the flu season began last year (October 2010).

Professor Dame Sally Davies, Interim Chief Medical Officer said: “I am cautiously pleased with the decline in cases again this week. But winter isn’t over yet and we still all need to be on our guard against flu. That means catching our germs in a tissue, throwing it in a bin and washing our hands regularly – catch it, bin it, kill it.

“It isn’t too late for people in an at risk group to be vaccinated and I would urge people to contact their GP or practice nurse to make an appointment.

“Any GP who has seen demand exceed supply has been able to order extra vaccine from manufacturers and from our central stock of the Pandemrix vaccine.

“I would like to thank everyone working in the NHS for their hard work and dedication so far this winter. It’s been a tough winter, the NHS has been under pressure but, thanks to the detailed planning that was put in place in advance, it has coped fantastically well.”


A spokesman for The Pennine Acute Trust, which runs the Rochdale Infirmary, said:

“Our staff have worked very hard to ensure patients are treated in a timely manner and with high standards of care. But winter isn’t over yet and we still all need to be on our guard against flu.


“Most people who contract flu will start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E. It is important to stay at home, to reduce the chance of spreading the virus to other people. Avoid visiting friends and relatives who may be at risk, for example those in hospital. If you think you need help or advice, then telephone your GP or your local pharmacist. If your condition suddenly deteriorates is still getting worse after three or four days, then telephone your GP. Remember 999 and A&E departments are for life-threatening illnesses and emergencies. For minor illnesses, ailments and injuries or, if you are just feeling under the weather, use your local pharmacy or contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or online at www.nhs.uk



“In young children under five and particularly infants under one, it is very difficult to distinguish influenza and its complications from other respiratory viral infections and other treatable diseases. Infants should always be reviewed by a health care professional (usually a GP).”