Rotherham child dies of swine flu

A CHILD from Rotherham is among three people who have died from swine flu in South Yorkshire.

Health officials confirmed that the virus was a “contributory factor” in the death of the youngster as well as that of another child and an adult in Sheffield.

It was stressed, however, that the bug would take the form of no more than a mild illness for most sufferers.

Athe town received its first stocks of the swine flu vaccine, John Radford, Director of Public Health at NHS Rotherham, said: “We can confirm that a child has sadly died in Rotherham.

“Tests have shown that a contributory factor in the death was swine flu. The individual also had serious underlying health issues. This is a tragic case and our thoughts are with the family at this time.

“Our advice remains the same. For most people this is a mild illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to visit the GP or go to A&E.

“People are advised to contact their GP directly if they have a serious underlying illness that weakens the immune system, they are pregnant, they have a sick child under the age of one, their condition suddenly gets much worse, or their condition is still getting worse after seven days.”

So far 20 Rotherham residents—from a total of 83 for the whole of South Yorkshire—have been treated in hospital for swine flu.

Dr Radford added: “Vaccination programmes for those at risk, such as people with underlying health conditions and pregnant women, have begun.

“We are encouraging people who have been contacted by their GP for a swine flu vaccination to attend for vaccination or to discuss it with their GP or practice nurse."

Anyone with concerns about swine flu should contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513 100 or 0800 1513 200 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu