Swine flu: three more deaths as 200 fight for life

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/swine-flu/8215626/Swine-flu-three-more-deaths-\

as-200-fight-for-life.html

Swine flu: three more deaths as 200 fight for life

Doctors have warned they are seeing the worst flu outbreak in 10 years in some

areas as fears grow that three more people may have died after contracting swine

flu.

10:31PM GMT 20 Dec 2010

The new deaths would take the total to 20 so far this winter, with the majority

linked to the H1N1 swine flu virus. Laboratory tests on the latest deaths in

Leicester are awaited.

Dr Philip Monk, communicable diseases consultant for the Health Protection

Agency (HPA) in the East Midlands, said: " It is the worst winter outbreak for

influenza and viruses for 10 years.

" There are a lot of illnesses out there. Vulnerable people, like young children,

are at risk. Unfortunately some of them die. "

A health analysis company last night predicted about 200 swine flu victims could

be fighting for their lives based on reports by GPs and chemists.

Nationally, flu levels remain normal for this time of year but cases have

doubled in a week.

Professor , head of the respiratory diseases department at the HPA,

said: " It's not unusual to see this level of flu activity at this time of the

year but, due to the fact that the H1N1 swine flu is one of the predominant

strains circulating at the moment, we are seeing more severe illness in people

under the age of 65 than we would usually see.

" Flu can be an extremely serious illness for pregnant women, the elderly and

those with other underlying conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, lung,

liver or renal diseases and those who have weakened immune systems.

" Flu vaccination offers the best protection for those at high risk from seasonal

flu and we urge all those in these 'at risk' groups – including pregnant women

and health care workers – to get themselves vaccinated as soon as possible. "

He added: " For most people, seasonal flu is not life threatening and usually

lasts seven to 10 days.

" The best advice is to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take pain relievers,

such as paracetamol. Anyone displaying severe symptoms, particularly those in

vulnerable groups, should seek medical advice. "

Last night the fiancé of a pregnant mother struck down with swine flu called on

expectant mothers to have the jab against swine flu.

Bowler, 30, said he and his family are praying for a Christmas miracle

after doctors warned that he may have to face choosing between the life of his

unborn child or his fiancée.

Fallon Devaney, 25, a mother of four, is in a critical condition in hospital

after contracting the disease last week.

" Every mother needs to know that they are entitled to a vaccine against swine

flu, " said Mr Bowler.