國民保健豬流感服務結束 因爆發放緩
NHS swine flu service to end as outbreak eases
Today at 13:23 Reuters
LONDON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - The National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) set up to deal with the outbreak of swine flu is to close next week as fears about the outbreak ease and the number of new cases continues to drop, the government said on Feb. 4.
倫敦 2月4日（路透社） - 國家大流行流感服務（NPFS）被設立去處理豬流感爆發，會在下週結束，由於擔憂疫情減輕，以及新症繼續下降，政府2月4日說。
The service, which allowed patients to undergo telephone and online assessments to enable them to get antiviral drugs without having to go to their doctor, was launched in July last year when the number of infections was rising sharply.
But over Christmas the number of new cases of the H1N1 virus fell to the lowest level since the early stages of the outbreak and the service is no longer needed, Health Secretary Andy Burnham said.
The NPFS, which had 1,500 call centre staff, will now end on Feb. 11. People who think they have swine flu can still get antiviral drugs from their GP, while those in at-risk groups can still receive a vaccination.
"Our priority remains to vaccinate those most at risk from swine flu, as people are still in hospital from the virus and sadly some have died," the Department of Health said.
"This is the first time we have had a vaccine to protect people while a pandemic virus has been circulating, so it has undoubtedly helped us save lives."
Last summer, health officials warned that there could be more than 100,000 new cases of the flu a day and that as many as 65,000 could die.
But a study in December found the virus was far less lethal than feared and health officials said around 400 people in England who had contracted the flu had died.
The World Health Organisation said last month that the pandemic appeared to be easing but warned a third wave of infections could strike and risks remained. The Department of Health said the NPFS could be restored in a week if necessary.
世界衛生組織上個月說，大流行病看似放緩，但警告第三波感染仍可攻擊和風險依然。衛生署則表示，NPFS服務如果必要，可以在一周內重建。
http://www.kyivpost.com/news/world/detail/58651/
NHS swine flu service to end as outbreak eases
Today at 13:23 Reuters
LONDON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - The National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) set up to deal with the outbreak of swine flu is to close next week as fears about the outbreak ease and the number of new cases continues to drop, the government said on Feb. 4.
倫敦 2月4日（路透社） - 國家大流行流感服務（NPFS）被設立去處理豬流感爆發，會在下週結束，由於擔憂疫情減輕，以及新症繼續下降，政府2月4日說。
The service, which allowed patients to undergo telephone and online assessments to enable them to get antiviral drugs without having to go to their doctor, was launched in July last year when the number of infections was rising sharply.
But over Christmas the number of new cases of the H1N1 virus fell to the lowest level since the early stages of the outbreak and the service is no longer needed, Health Secretary Andy Burnham said.
The NPFS, which had 1,500 call centre staff, will now end on Feb. 11. People who think they have swine flu can still get antiviral drugs from their GP, while those in at-risk groups can still receive a vaccination.
"Our priority remains to vaccinate those most at risk from swine flu, as people are still in hospital from the virus and sadly some have died," the Department of Health said.
"This is the first time we have had a vaccine to protect people while a pandemic virus has been circulating, so it has undoubtedly helped us save lives."
Last summer, health officials warned that there could be more than 100,000 new cases of the flu a day and that as many as 65,000 could die.
But a study in December found the virus was far less lethal than feared and health officials said around 400 people in England who had contracted the flu had died.
The World Health Organisation said last month that the pandemic appeared to be easing but warned a third wave of infections could strike and risks remained. The Department of Health said the NPFS could be restored in a week if necessary.
世界衛生組織上個月說，大流行病看似放緩，但警告第三波感染仍可攻擊和風險依然。衛生署則表示，NPFS服務如果必要，可以在一周內重建。
http://www.kyivpost.com/news/world/detail/58651/
豬流感危機結束 - 遺下411人死亡
Swine Flu Crisis Ends - Leaving 411 Dead
10:18am UK, Friday February 05, 2010
Damien Pearse, Sky News Online
The swine flu crisis is officially over leaving 411 deaths Britons dead - a fraction of the number feared.
豬流感危機要正式結束，遺下411英國人死亡 - 擔心人數目的一小部分。
Critics have accused health chiefs of wasting money on 'useless' vaccines批評指責衛生主管浪費金錢於'無用'疫苗
The National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) - including the the 24-hour health hotline - will be stood down on Thursday.
The website will also disappear in response to the "steady reduction" in the number of cases, health chiefs have announced.
Critics say the seven-month outbreak - costing an estimated £1bn - has been mishandled by ministers and health officials, with a flawed threat assessment.
Some have accused the World Health Organisation of falling under the influence of pharmaceutical industry giants who have made vast profits from vaccines.
As well as the deaths, there are 124 Britons still in hospital.
The 5,000 cases a week are far below the average for seasonal flu.
Cases have been falling steadily and the most people who have become ill have suffered relatively mild symptoms.
Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson has warned against complacency.
And Health Minister Gillian Merron said the NPFS could be re-activated in seven days should it be needed.
People who suspect they have swine flu will be directed to their GP instead of the antiviral collection points from next week, she added.
In a written ministerial statement to MPs, Ms Merron said: "The Department is today announcing the decision to stand down the NPFS with effect from 1am on February 11, 2010.
The website will also disappear in response to the "steady reduction" in the number of cases, health chiefs have announced.
Critics say the seven-month outbreak - costing an estimated £1bn - has been mishandled by ministers and health officials, with a flawed threat assessment.
Some have accused the World Health Organisation of falling under the influence of pharmaceutical industry giants who have made vast profits from vaccines.
As well as the deaths, there are 124 Britons still in hospital.
The 5,000 cases a week are far below the average for seasonal flu.
Cases have been falling steadily and the most people who have become ill have suffered relatively mild symptoms.
Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson has warned against complacency.
And Health Minister Gillian Merron said the NPFS could be re-activated in seven days should it be needed.
People who suspect they have swine flu will be directed to their GP instead of the antiviral collection points from next week, she added.
In a written ministerial statement to MPs, Ms Merron said: "The Department is today announcing the decision to stand down the NPFS with effect from 1am on February 11, 2010.
Call centre will close
傳呼中心將關閉
"This is being done in response to the steady reduction in the estimated number of swine flu cases in the community and is in line with our overall aim of ensuring the operational response is appropriate to the level of threat posed by the virus."
At the height of the crisis, Sir Liam warned the pandemic might claim 65,000 lives in the UK.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham said 100,000 could be struck down with the disease every day.
Around the world, an estimated 14,000 deaths have been reported - a fraction of the number dying each year from ordinary flu.
Mark Wallace of the Taxpayers' Alliance attacked the large sums of money paid to pharmaceutical companies for the vaccines
He told Sky News Online: "Understandably everyone was worried about the possible threat of swine flu last year but the government seems to have jumped in with both feet and a large sack of taxpayers' money without thinking it through properly.
"It's amazing that some of these large contracts don't have any get-out clauses built into them.
"As a result we are landed with a large bill for warehouses full of useless vaccines that no-one wants."
But Sir Liam said: "When the virus returns I would very much like to see young children already protected.
"From now on, most deaths from the pandemic flu virus should be regarded as potentially preventable."
A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "This is the first time we have had a vaccine to protect people while a pandemic virus has been circulating, so it has undoubtedly helped us save lives."
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Swine-Flu-National-Pandemic-Flu-Service-Is-Stood-Down-Amid-Steady-Reduction-In-Cases/Article/201002115543065?lpos=UK_News_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_5&lid=ARTICLE_15543065_Swine_Flu%3A_National_Pandemic_Flu_Service_Is_Stood_Down_Amid_Steady_Reduction_In_Cases_
傳呼中心將關閉
"This is being done in response to the steady reduction in the estimated number of swine flu cases in the community and is in line with our overall aim of ensuring the operational response is appropriate to the level of threat posed by the virus."
At the height of the crisis, Sir Liam warned the pandemic might claim 65,000 lives in the UK.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham said 100,000 could be struck down with the disease every day.
Around the world, an estimated 14,000 deaths have been reported - a fraction of the number dying each year from ordinary flu.
Mark Wallace of the Taxpayers' Alliance attacked the large sums of money paid to pharmaceutical companies for the vaccines
He told Sky News Online: "Understandably everyone was worried about the possible threat of swine flu last year but the government seems to have jumped in with both feet and a large sack of taxpayers' money without thinking it through properly.
"It's amazing that some of these large contracts don't have any get-out clauses built into them.
"As a result we are landed with a large bill for warehouses full of useless vaccines that no-one wants."
But Sir Liam said: "When the virus returns I would very much like to see young children already protected.
"From now on, most deaths from the pandemic flu virus should be regarded as potentially preventable."
A spokesman for the Department of Health said: "This is the first time we have had a vaccine to protect people while a pandemic virus has been circulating, so it has undoubtedly helped us save lives."
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Swine-Flu-National-Pandemic-Flu-Service-Is-Stood-Down-Amid-Steady-Reduction-In-Cases/Article/201002115543065?lpos=UK_News_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_5&lid=ARTICLE_15543065_Swine_Flu%3A_National_Pandemic_Flu_Service_Is_Stood_Down_Amid_Steady_Reduction_In_Cases_
It's official, the swine flu 'pandemic' is over (shame it cost us £1billion and scared thousands witless)
By Jenny Hope
Last updated at 11:29 PM on 04th February 2010
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1248473/Swine-flu-panic-national-website-helpline-shut-down.html
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