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5,000 anti-virals issued by GPs 5,000 anti-virals issued by GPs
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Over 5000 anti-viral courses have been issued to people with swine flu symptoms in Northern Ireland.Over 5000 anti-viral courses have been issued to people with swine flu symptoms in Northern Ireland.
Department of Health figures for July show a sharp rise in prescriptions.Department of Health figures for July show a sharp rise in prescriptions.
In the first week of July 138 courses of Tamiflu were issued. The following week an additional 500 were given to people showing symptoms.In the first week of July 138 courses of Tamiflu were issued. The following week an additional 500 were given to people showing symptoms.
By week four, more than 2,000 people had contacted a GP, bringing the total number of anti-virals proscribed here to more than 5,000.By week four, more than 2,000 people had contacted a GP, bringing the total number of anti-virals proscribed here to more than 5,000.
"It has been difficult to gauge how many confirmed cases of the H1NI virus there are here, but these official figures from the department of health indicate that in July there was a dramatic increase in the number of people contacting their GP," said BBC NI health correspondent Marie Louise Connolly."It has been difficult to gauge how many confirmed cases of the H1NI virus there are here, but these official figures from the department of health indicate that in July there was a dramatic increase in the number of people contacting their GP," said BBC NI health correspondent Marie Louise Connolly.
"While some health professionals may argue that these are just suspected cases and not confirmed by a laboratory, the high number does indicate the virus is continuing to spread.""While some health professionals may argue that these are just suspected cases and not confirmed by a laboratory, the high number does indicate the virus is continuing to spread."
Back to school
Meanwhile the education authorities have been holding meetings to discuss how the swine flu outbreak will affect schools which are due to reopen shortly.
The Chair of the Belfast Education and Library Board, Jim Rogers, rubbished suggestions that some schools would remain shut in September.
Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, he said: "There is a lot of panic about at the moment and unfortunately the rumour mill is at work - people going around saying the schools will be closed in September.
"This is totally untrue and I want to nail this lie now."