In 2009, a deadly virus, commonly known as swine flu infected more than 10,000 people in 74 countries worldwide.
The scientific name for this flu is A/H1N1pdm09, which is often shortened to H1N1.
H1N1 is a seasonal flu virus that circulates each winter, symptoms are similar to a normal, more common flu; however, tend to be more severe and even potentially deadly.
The global flu epidemic first originated in Mexico in June 2009 and reached the UK in April 2009 where subsequently, 457 people died.
According to Public Health England (PHE), there have been 210 people in the UK hospitalised from swine flu between 20 January and 27 January 2019.
This is the highest amount of H1N1 hospitalisations since the start of the flu season, which began in October 2018. The second highest amount of recorded hospitalisations was 185, from the previous week.
Figures revealed that 69 per cent of the latest swine flu cases were admitted to an intensive care unit.
Since October 2018, when this year’s flu season began, 953 people have been admitted to hospital with swine flu in England.
PHE added that a total of 131 people have died from all types of flu over the same period.
PHE’s Head of Flu, Richard Pebody, said: “Flu continues to circulate although there are early signs that activity is peaking.
“To prevent the spread of flu, it is important to practice good respiratory and hand hygiene and to avoid close contact with others if you have flu symptoms.
Here at Harrow Health Care, we offer a flu vaccination service at our centre. Contact us on 0208 861 1221 (Option 0) to book your appointment today.
