Cases of swine flu in the UK have now dropped and across the UK the number of seriously ill people from swine flu is lower. 

There is, however, concern regarding the prescribing of Tamiflu to children under the age of 12 years. 

The side effects from the drug appear to be worse than the symptoms of the disease. Tamiflu can reduce the duration of swine flu by up to a day and a half, but experts are questioning whether the severity of the side effects from Tamiflu, actually outweigh the effects, of what is usually proving to be a mild illness. Therefore they are asking GP`s and the public to reconsider before prescribing or requesting anti viral treatment   for children under 12.

There also seems to be uncertainty on the value of delaying the reopening of our schools in the autumn term, as this move  seems unlikely to be able to help prevent the spread of the disease, if we get the predicted second wave of swine flu in the autumn.

There is also much speculation over the vaccination programme, expected to begin in the autumn. The latest guidelines suggest that all children under the age of 16yrs will be priority, also patients with serious underlying medical conditions or who have a depressed immune system. There seems to be some doubt as to how effective the vaccine is in the elderly. The first supplies of the vaccine are expected to be in the UK by the end of August.

Previous update