Welsh swine flu cases declining

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/8436433.stm

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The number of swine flu cases in Wales is falling although one death has been reported in the last week.

Health chiefs said as of Wednesday 11 people were in hospital in Wales in connection with swine flu, with three being treated in a critical care unit.

Consultation rates for swine flu were highest in children under the age of four.

The total number number of swine flu related deaths in Wales now stands at 28.

The National Public Health Service for Wales said GPs were no longer being asked to swab people they suspect may have swine flu.

But Dr Roland Salmon, director of the communicable disease surveillance centre, urged people not to become complacent.

Be aware of symptoms

"The number of people contacting their GP with flu symptoms across Wales as a whole is decreasing and is at a lower level than we would expect to see at this time of year in a normal flu season," he added.

"GPs involved in the NPHS influenza surveillance scheme and hospital doctors have continued to test people they think may have swine flu.

"The results show that there are other illnesses circulating in the community, with symptoms very similar to swine flu.

"The number of people who test positive for swine flu, as a proportion of all those being tested, is falling.

"Nevertheless, flu is still circulating so I still strongly advise people to be aware of the symptoms of swine flu and of the steps that can be taken to prevent its spread."