Thursday, August 20, 2009

UK: Preston man dies of swine flu

August 20, 2009
A MAN has become the first person in Lancashire to die of swine flu, it has been revealed.

The victim, from Penwortham, Preston, was struck down with the disease more than two weeks ago and has since died.

It is believed he did not have any underlying health conditions.


A post-mortem examination has been carried out which confirmed the man died of swine flu.

He is among 44 people in England to have so far died after contracting the illness.

It is believed the details and post-mortem examination results have been passed on to the Lancashire coroner's office.

A spokesman for NHS Central Lancashire said: "We are aware the cause of death of a patient who died in the central Lancashire area is being investigated.

"We will not be able to comment further until we have received the coroner's report."

Earlier this week it was revealed almost 10,000 packs of anti-virals have been issued to suspected swine flu sufferers across central Lancashire since anti-viral centres opened on July 7.

This equates to around 250 packs of Tamiflu or Relenza issued every day.


The number of deaths jumped by eight to 44 in the past week, according to the Health Protection Agency.

Experts believe the number of new cases will continue to fall while schools and universities are on their summer holidays.

Britain has seen one of the highest number of cases, although most people have experienced only mild to moderate symptoms.

The new H1N1 flu affects more younger people than seasonal flu, making it a bigger potential threat to the working population.
hat-tip Pixie

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