Swine flu cases in England rise dramatically

By Eileen McGaurin

New cases of the swine flu in England spiked to a 96 percent increase from the week before, with children ages 5 to 14 hardest hit, the country's Health Protection Agency announced today.

The National Pandemic Flu Service reported an estimated 53,000 new cases last week, compared to 27,000 from the week before.

An increase was reported in all age groups, reported the health agency, but the majority of flu-like illnesses were reported in 1 to 4 year olds and the 5 to 15 year age group. In those aged 5 to 14, a 40 percent increase in cases was reported. Those 75 and older were the only age group not to show an increase.

An estimated 506 patients are currently hospitalized with swine flu complications, said the HPA, while deaths related to swine flu in England is 93.

In the past seven days the total number of deaths reported globally has increased by 13 percent, up from a 4 percent increase reported last week, according to the HPA.

The National Health Service began H1N1 vaccinations in England yesterday, announcing that more than 11 million people, including health care workers and those considered at-risk, would be first in line for the shot.

"Our best line of defence against swine flu is the vaccine," said Health Secretary Andy Burnham. "The independent committee of experts in the UK has recommended that all those in the at risk groups should be offered the swine flu vaccine. It is also being offered to frontline health and social care workers to protect them and their patients and ensure the NHS is staffed should it come under pressure this winter."

People considered at risk include people aged over six months and under 65 years, all pregnant women, and people in contact those who have a compromised immune systems such as cancer. People aged 65 and over who are considered at risk for the H1N1 virus will be eligible for the vaccine.

The GlaxoSmithKline vaccine (Pandemrix), which was approved by the Eurepoean regulators,  will be offered to the vast majority of people, the HPA announced.