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Comparative Study
. 2009 Dec;9(6):534-8.
doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.9-6-534.

Swine flu: a Birmingham experience

James Scriven  1 , Ruth Mcewen, Sanjay Mistry, Chris Green, Husam Osman, Mark Bailey, Christopher Ellis
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Swine flu: a Birmingham experience

James Scriven et al. Clin Med (Lond). 2009 Dec.

Abstract

By the beginning of July 2009 the West Midlands had seen more cases of novel H1N1 influenza (swine flu) than any other region in the U.K. Over a three-week period almost 850 people presented to Heartlands Hospital with flu-like symptoms. Of those admitted 52 adults were subsequently confirmed as having H1N1 infection. Most were younger than 30 and not from traditional influenza risk groups. The main risk factor for severe disease was asthma, and to a lesser extent pregnancy and obesity. Seven patients were admitted to intensive care and five developed an acute lung injury requiring prolonged admission. Two patients required extra corporeal membrane oxygenation and one died. Despite increased workload normal clinical services were unaffected. The hospital was not closed to admissions nor was it paralysed by staff absence. With a predicted second wave expected at the end of 2009, efforts to maintain effective community assessment remain crucial.

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Figures

Fig 1.
Fig 1.
Timing of adult admissions for swine flu.
Fig 2.
Fig 2.
Cases of influenza H1N1 A infection at Heart of England Foundation Trust.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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