Under-fives at biggest risk from swine flu

Published on Saturday 18 July 2009 21:46

CHILDREN under five and pregnant women are emerging as the sections of the population most at risk from swine flu.

Government advice is targeting parents of young children to make sure they are aware of precautions necessary to protect their offspring.

The Health Protection Agency has put under-fives in the "predominantly affected" category, meaning they are at most risk of illness.

Urgent advice is also to be issued to pregnant women and new parents.

Experts believe that most cases of swine flu would not harm the mother or foetus, but rare cases could lead to premature labour or miscarriage or cause birth defects. Expectant mothers will be urged to avoid unnecessary journeys and crowds and public transport.

Airports, too, are thought to be planning to take action by banning passengers suspected of having swine flu.

Yesterday, it was reported that a six-month-old baby had died at the Royal Free hospital in London. Tests are also being carried out on a seven-year-old Kent boy who died on Tuesday to see if he had the virus. He suffered from other complications.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We know that children and young people are more likely to catch swine flu and, when they have it, they are more likely to pass it on.

"The advice we have issued on prevention is, therefore, even more important for this age group and we have stressed the importance of ensuring parents follow that advice."

Meanwhile, a senior adviser to the government moved to calm concerns over the swine flu vaccine after questions were raised about whether it has been tested enough. The European Medicines Agency admitted yesterday the vaccines being prepared for use would "not have any clinical trial data". But Professor Sir Gordon Duff, co-chairman of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, said the benefits far outweighed potential risks.

He said the companies preparing the jab had been working on "core" vaccines, which had been tested on 6,000 people. "In a pandemic, you can't predict what the virus is going to be, so to make a vaccine you use a similar virus. These core vaccines have been tested on 5,000-6,000 people, with no serious adverse effects.

"It is inconceivable that in the UK we would consider a vaccine without giving a full scientific appraisal of its benefits and theoretical risks. That is what these risks are – theoretical."

It is hoped that there will be around 60 million doses available by the end of the year, with the first vaccines expected to be ready for use next month.

The doses will be enough for half the UK population. NHS advice suggests that it will not be until autumn 2010 before the entire population is covered.

A mother of six who gave birth prematurely was named as the latest victim of swine flu yesterday. Ruptara Miah, 39, had used a wheelchair for 15 years after a road accident, relatives said. A statement from Whipps Cross hospital in London, where she died, said: "She was infected with pandemic H1N1. She had underlying health conditions."

Meanwhile, emergency services, power companies and local councils are preparing to deploy unprecedented measures to deal with the expected swine flu pandemic.

Local authorities have raised the prospect of rationing supplies, while energy firms say they may have to "bring in camp beds" for control rooms if staff are forced to work day and night.

Police officers and ambulance crews may be issued with face masks to protect them from encounters with flu victims, while prison officers may be transported across the country to other jails to ensure criminals are kept under lock and key.

With sickness absence rates likely to rocket, the country's basic services are set to face unprecedented pressure. Utility ScottishPower said last night that government officials had been "receptive" to plans to suspend working time rules, which state that no-one should work more than 48 hours a week.

Spokesman Gordon Irving said: "What we are talking about is making sure the lights stay on."