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Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/w...irst-swine-flu-death-in-wales-91466-24499768/
Woman, 55, confirmed as first swine flu death in Wales
Aug 21 2009 Madeleine Brindley, WalesOnline
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A MOTHER has been confirmed as the first person to die after catching swine flu in Wales.
Officials today said the 55-year-old, from Caerphilly borough, had been admitted to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport on 2 August.
She had been suffering from flu-like symptoms before she was admitted to hospital, where she tested positive for the H1N1 virus and received a course of antivirals.
The woman, who has not been named, was admitted to the intensive care unit but later transferred to intensive care at University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff, on August 6, with cardiac-related problems.
She died on Saturday after suffering further circulatory complications.
Her family today asked for their privacy to be respected to allow them to grieve.
Health Minister Edwina Hart said: ?This is the first swine flu-related death in Wales and I would like to send my condolences to the family and friends of the woman at this difficult time.
?Tragic though this is for the family and friends, we are not seeing an increase in rates of cases, compared to normal seasonal flu, where we see a number of serious cases and deaths each year.?
Dr Tony Jewell, Wales? chief medical officer, added: ?I understand that the first death of someone with swine flu in Wales will naturally worry people and cause concern, however I would assure people that for the vast majority of healthy people, the infection remains mild and people recover within five to seven days with rest, plenty of fluids and symptomatic treatments.
?There have been more than 50 swine flu-related deaths in the UK since this flu pandemic arose in April.
?People with underlying health conditions, especially heart and lung diseases, are at most risk.
?Even in the at risk groups ? those with chronic conditions, pregnant women and children under five ? most people get over the infection with no major concerns.
?It?s important that people remember good hand and respiratory hygiene in an effort to reduce the risk of spread of swine flu ? coughs and sneezes spread diseases so catch it, kill it and bin it.?
Woman, 55, confirmed as first swine flu death in Wales
Aug 21 2009 Madeleine Brindley, WalesOnline
Add a comment
Recommend
A MOTHER has been confirmed as the first person to die after catching swine flu in Wales.
Officials today said the 55-year-old, from Caerphilly borough, had been admitted to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport on 2 August.
She had been suffering from flu-like symptoms before she was admitted to hospital, where she tested positive for the H1N1 virus and received a course of antivirals.
The woman, who has not been named, was admitted to the intensive care unit but later transferred to intensive care at University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff, on August 6, with cardiac-related problems.
She died on Saturday after suffering further circulatory complications.
Her family today asked for their privacy to be respected to allow them to grieve.
Health Minister Edwina Hart said: ?This is the first swine flu-related death in Wales and I would like to send my condolences to the family and friends of the woman at this difficult time.
?Tragic though this is for the family and friends, we are not seeing an increase in rates of cases, compared to normal seasonal flu, where we see a number of serious cases and deaths each year.?
Dr Tony Jewell, Wales? chief medical officer, added: ?I understand that the first death of someone with swine flu in Wales will naturally worry people and cause concern, however I would assure people that for the vast majority of healthy people, the infection remains mild and people recover within five to seven days with rest, plenty of fluids and symptomatic treatments.
?There have been more than 50 swine flu-related deaths in the UK since this flu pandemic arose in April.
?People with underlying health conditions, especially heart and lung diseases, are at most risk.
?Even in the at risk groups ? those with chronic conditions, pregnant women and children under five ? most people get over the infection with no major concerns.
?It?s important that people remember good hand and respiratory hygiene in an effort to reduce the risk of spread of swine flu ? coughs and sneezes spread diseases so catch it, kill it and bin it.?