THE number of people needing hospital treatment for swine flu is increasing in York and the wider county.

The latest figures for York show that in the last fortnight the local NHS Foundation Trust admitted 25 people to hospital suffering from flu-like symptoms. This compares with only 15 for the preceding fortnight.

For York and North Yorkshire as a whole, 39 people have needed hospital treatment for suspected swine flu over the past two weeks compared to 32 the preceding fortnight.

But by contrast the number of people seeking medical advice for swine flu has fallen from a rate of 54.3 per 100,000 to 42.4 per 100,000.

Similarly in the East Riding though, the number of people being admitted to hospital has risen slightly.

In the last fortnight 13 people were hospitalised compared to ten in the preceding fortnight. The number of consultations has remained relatively stable with 29.3 per 100,000 in the last two weeks, compared to 30 in the fortnight prior.

For Yorkshire and the Humber as a whole the number of hospital cases has dropped from 344 to 300.

There have been five swine flu-related deaths reported for the period November 13 and November 26 within Yorkshire and Humber. The total number of swine flu related deaths for the region is 21.

The Strategic Health Authority continues to give the same message out about swine flu: “Anyone who experiences a fever over 38°C, and two or more of the following symptoms may have flu or swine flu: unusual tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or cough, loss of appetite, aching muscles, diarrhoea or vomiting.

For most people this is a mild illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to the GP or A&E.”

If people are concerned they should stay at home and contact the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) by phoning 0800 1513100 or going online to direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu