By Kelly Eve

Last updated at 11:34, Saturday, 31 October 2009

Cumbrians are being urged to remain vigilant regarding the swine flu virus despite a fall in the number of cases.

Latest NHS figures confirm that 139 people are being treated in north west hospitals, 33 of them are in critical care. Fourteen people have also died as a result of swine flu in the north west since the virus outbreak began in April.

The new figures come after Thursday’s launch of the new swine flu vaccination programme at Penrith hospital.

Over the next few weeks more than 120,000 Cumbrians will receive the swine flu jab.

People are also being reminded that they will still need their usual winter flu vaccination in addition to any swine flu jab they have.

Dr Ruth Hussey, north west director for public health, said: “I would urge people to take swine flu seriously.

“I fully understand that some people who catch swine flu who are normally healthy are deciding not to take anti-viral medication but anti-virals are the best weapon we have for reducing the risk of complications from swine flu.

“Irrespective of whether you decide to take anti-virals you need to monitor your symptoms closely and if you fail to improve or suddenly deteriorate, telephone your GP for advice.

“And if you are in one of the groups identified as being a priority you should take up the offer of a swine flu vaccine.”

The at-risk groups urged to get the swine flu vaccine include pregnant women, people with diabetes and immuno-compromised patients. Front line health workers are also being immunised in the first wave of vaccination.

Since the launch of the National Pandemic Flu Service at the end of July, 190,605 people in the north west have been diagnosed as having swine flu and 131,714 people have collected anti-viral medication.

The number diagnosed on October 28 was 2,147 compared to 2,376 seven days earlier; and 1,521 people collected anti-viral medication compared to 1,783 on October 21.

The symptoms of swine flu are the sudden onset of fever, a high temperature of 38 degrees or more plus any two of the following: cough or shortness of breath; headache; sore throat; unusual tiredness; aching muscles; vomiting; runny nose; loss of appetite and diarrhoea.

Anyone who thinks they may have contracted swine flu can contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on-line at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu or call 0800 1513513 for information or 0800 1513100 for treatment.

First published at 09:11, Saturday, 31 October 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk