Swine flu: The 24 people who died this winter may be only a small percent of the true number, admit experts

According to newspaper reports the 24 people who died this winter from swine flu could be a fraction of the true death toll, medical experts admitted yesterday. The known deaths so far include one pregnant woman and nine children. Last night it emerged that at least one of those killed by swine flu had been vaccinated against the virus.

Over the last seven days the swine flu death rate has risen by 60 per cent and doctors warn it will continue to rise over the next few weeks. In total 27 people have died from flu this winter, with 24 of these victims of swine flu, or H1N1. The others died from a different strain, known as influenza B.

But many victims die from complications such as a heart attack or pneumonia, so the virus is not recorded on their death certificate. Doctors defended the use of the vaccine, which they said was effective in between 70 and 80 per cent of cases – a relatively high success rate compared with other immunisations against flu.

For vulnerable patients at risk of Flu, NICE recommends prescribing Tamiflu for treatment.

At Risk Groups

1.                      patients over 65 years old
2.                      chronic respiratory disease (including asthma and COPD)
3.                      Chronic heart disease
4.                      Chronic renal disease
5.                      Diabetes mellitus
6.                      Immunosuppressed patients
7.                      Chronic neurological conditions
8.                      Chronic liver disease

During the 2009 H1N1A pandemic pregnant women and children under the age of 5 were identified as additional risk groups by the department of health.

Tamiflu is an oral NICE recommended antiviral medicine for treating at risk patients with flu symptoms within 48hrs when influenza is circulating in the community defined by Heath Protection Agency, or equivalent influenza surveillance, whether they are vaccinated or not.

Buy Tamiflu online from Medical Specialists online pharmacy to protect against influenza today.

References: NICE technology appraisal guidance 168, Amantadine, Oseltamivir and Zanamivir for the treatment of influenza.

Swine flu winter: 200 fight for life as number of patients doubles in a week

According to reports in today’s newspapers, nearly two hundred swine flu victims were fighting for their lives last night. The number of patients in intensive care has doubled in a week and many of them are either elderly or pregnant. Fourteen have so far died. Seventeen of the 190 are being kept alive by highly-specialised heart and lung machines – three times the usual number.

It is feared that the swine flu strain may have grown more virulent over the past 12 months with victims quickly becoming dangerously ill. Intensive care units are warned to look out for the illness in new admissions, with medics urged to use antiviral medicines if they have the least suspicion a patient has it. Hospital managers have been holding emergency meetings to draw up plans to tackle a further onslaught of cases. It is thought the cold weather could cause a surge of admissions, putting intensive care units under massive strain. Analysis by SDI Healthcare, which models flu rates based on reports from GPs and chemists, suggests infection rates are at a five-year high.

It estimates that nine million Britons have been struck down – nearly one in six of the population. Twice the level seen this time last year, the infection rate is 36 per cent above normal, making it the worst flu outbreak in five years.

Three strains of influenza are in circulation: H1N1 or swine flu, flu B and H2N3. Swine flu is proving the most deadly and has claimed 14 of this winter’s 17 victims.

Pregnant women, the obese and asthmatics are at greater risk, with the virus far more common in those under the age of 65. GPs blame the surge in cases in part on low vaccination rates, particularly among younger age groups.

For further information on who is at risk this winter with the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) please visit http://www.medical-specialists.co.uk/news/2010/11/19/who-is-at-risk-from-flu-this-winter/

Or for more information on how you can protect you and your family this winter against swine flu, please click the link to Buy Tamiflu Online

New killer swine flu virus could be on its way

An even more deadly version of Swine flu could be on its way this Christmas experts have warned yesterday.

Scientists fear the H1N1 virus may come back this winter in a “dangerous” and more potent form. And that could send the death toll soaring for the bug, which has killed more than 60 people in Scotland and around 18,000 worldwide.

Swine Flu medication

Leading bacteriologist Prof Hugh Pennington said that every global flu epidemic has returned in a deadlier form.

He said: “History shows that subsequent waves have been nastier and killed more people.

“In 1918-19, when 50million died of H1N1, the second wave was much more serious than the first.

“It is reasonable to expect swine flu to return this winter.”

The Aberdeen-based boffin added: “One possibility is we might get another virus which is a more lethal mutation.”

Next week the NHS will appeal to thousands of vulnerable Scots to get vaccinated against swine flu.

A spokesman said: “It’s expected that H1N1 will be the main flu virus circulating this winter. Most people will recover naturally within a week.

“But those with health conditions, including heart and lung problems, are at an increased risk of experiencing serious complications.

“These people, including children, are encouraged to receive vaccination from October 4.”

Last night Scottish Labour’s public health spokesman Dr Richard Simpson said: “It would not be surprising to see a return of swine flu.

“It’s very important that people in target groups get vaccinated.”