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Swine flu less lethal than feared Swine flu less lethal than feared
(about 1 hour later)
The swine flu pandemic is "considerably less lethal" than feared, chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson says.The swine flu pandemic is "considerably less lethal" than feared, chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson says.
A study led by Sir Liam found a death rate of just 0.026% in those infected, the British Medical Journal reported.A study led by Sir Liam found a death rate of just 0.026% in those infected, the British Medical Journal reported.
But he said the findings, based on a review of deaths to early November, did not mean the action taken in the UK was unnecessary.But he said the findings, based on a review of deaths to early November, did not mean the action taken in the UK was unnecessary.
He pointed out two-thirds of the deaths were in groups that were now eligible for vaccination.He pointed out two-thirds of the deaths were in groups that were now eligible for vaccination.
The findings, reported by the British Medical Journal, come as the number of new cases continues to fall.The findings, reported by the British Medical Journal, come as the number of new cases continues to fall.
In England there were 11,000 last week - down from 22,000 the previous week.In England there were 11,000 last week - down from 22,000 the previous week.
The first influenza pandemic of the 21st century is considerably less lethal than was feared in advance Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer Fergus on FluThe first influenza pandemic of the 21st century is considerably less lethal than was feared in advance Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer Fergus on Flu
Scotland also saw a fall from 12,300 to 8,900, while numbers in Northern Ireland and Wales have always remained much lower.Scotland also saw a fall from 12,300 to 8,900, while numbers in Northern Ireland and Wales have always remained much lower.
The UK death toll now stands at 283.The UK death toll now stands at 283.
Sir Liam described the low death rate as "fortunate".Sir Liam described the low death rate as "fortunate".
"The first influenza pandemic of the 21st century is considerably less lethal than was feared in advance.""The first influenza pandemic of the 21st century is considerably less lethal than was feared in advance."
Sir Liam also urged people to come forward for immunisation.Sir Liam also urged people to come forward for immunisation.
A number of priority groups have been identified, including people with health problems and pregnant women, for the first wave of the programme.A number of priority groups have been identified, including people with health problems and pregnant women, for the first wave of the programme.
VaccinationVaccination
But only 2.3 million of the 9 million people eligible for vaccination in England have come forward so far.But only 2.3 million of the 9 million people eligible for vaccination in England have come forward so far.
Sir Liam said the likely reason more were not being vaccinated was a legacy of the "junk science thrown at MMR" as well as the fact that people do not fear the virus.Sir Liam said the likely reason more were not being vaccinated was a legacy of the "junk science thrown at MMR" as well as the fact that people do not fear the virus.
However, the government had better news over the vaccination of young children - the under fives are the next in line to get the jab.However, the government had better news over the vaccination of young children - the under fives are the next in line to get the jab.
The programme looked to be in disarray earlier this week when ministers failed to agree a deal with the British Medical Association, the doctors' trade union, to get GPs to give the immunisations as they have been doing in the first wave.The programme looked to be in disarray earlier this week when ministers failed to agree a deal with the British Medical Association, the doctors' trade union, to get GPs to give the immunisations as they have been doing in the first wave.
They said it was likely health visitors and district nurses would have to take over.They said it was likely health visitors and district nurses would have to take over.
But Ian Dalton, who heads up the government's flu planning, said many GPs were signing up on an area-by-area basis.But Ian Dalton, who heads up the government's flu planning, said many GPs were signing up on an area-by-area basis.
He said agreements were in place for doctors in the North East and London to deliver the programme and he expected many more would be signed in the near future.He said agreements were in place for doctors in the North East and London to deliver the programme and he expected many more would be signed in the near future.
"I don't think for most GPs this is about money, it is about protecting children.""I don't think for most GPs this is about money, it is about protecting children."