Although the data published by the Agency for Health Protection (HPA) show that cases of the flu appears to have peaked among young people, also show that infection rates among older age groups continues to grow.
Last night, an expert warned the elderly against influenza that had not received the seasonal flu vaccine to contact their doctor, while signs that the two virus strains that were relatively quiet until this winter would now be about to have a strong influence.
GP surgeries have already exhausted vaccines and manufacturers have warned that have more population.
Last night eminent microbiologist, Scotland, Hugh Pennington described the system of swine influenza vaccination in the United Kingdom as "a disaster."
"I blame the government and doctors," he said. "GPS was ordered to the best - everyone knew what was coming advertising campaign leaves much to be desired in Scotland, they were better prepared, but we could have done more ..."
Professor John Oxford, a flu expert at Queen Mary University of London, said the strain of swine influenza (H1N1) affecting young people more difficult may be decreasing, which allows two of the other major strains of winter , H3N2 and B, to take advantage.
Both are potentially dangerous to the elderly are more tolerant of swine influenza in young people because of exposure to similar viruses in the past in their lives. So far 50 people are known to have died from the flu this season. Only four of the 65 years of age or older.
The deaths, 45 were caused by influenza virus and the other five, type B. The HPA did not know whether the four deaths in more than 65 years was due to an influenza type B.
weekly statistics of influenza Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), released Thursday show that while infection rates in younger age groups appear to be in rapid decline, the increase among those aged 45 and older. The rate of illness among children aged five to 14 increased from 145 cases to 58 cases per 100,000 in the week to January 2 In the age group of 65 or more cases has increased from 36 to 47
These figures are not particularly high compared to other winters, the Oxford professor said, but are worried because the elderly are more likely to die from flu than younger people. He said the emphasis on swine flu and the small number of deaths in the elderly can be complacent retirees receive the vaccine.
Speaking of statistics RCGP, he said: "I looked at the data and thought, 'Oh my God, this is the first warning signal." It could be that the swine flu was down and leave a another tribe to join. This is an indication that the elderly should be a little more careful. "
Currently, 70 percent of people over 65 who are eligible for the seasonal influenza vaccine, got it. This protects against swine flu, H3N2, and Type B. This week, the offices of general practitioners' throughout England began to run short of seasonal vaccine.
On Thursday, the government decided that the 12.7 million doses of vaccine against swine influenza rest of the year last pandemic was the doctors. But that does not protect against two other strains.
Professor David Salisbury, director of immunization at the Ministry of Health, yesterday gave details of an online ordering system for general practitioners. He said: "We have a large amount of vaccine we have now has the command line so that doctors may, from Monday to order online and we will provide very fast with high doses of them .."
About 1,000 people die from flu one winter only "normal", especially the elderly. Influenza is often not officially recorded causes of death. The last time was epidemic in 1999/2000, 26,000 people died. Most of the elderly. This year's meeting is atypical, because the dominance of swine flu has meant most of those who died were young.
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