Swine flu death toll climbs to 59

The number of new swine flu cases being reported is falling

Another 10 swine flu deaths have been confirmed in the past week, bringing the total death toll in the UK during the pandemic to 59.

But the estimated number of new weekly cases has fallen again, the Department of Health said.

In England, there were thought to be 11,000 infections - down from over 100,000 at the beginning of the month.

But experts still said a second - and perhaps worse - peak could happen during the winter.

Most NHS trusts have seen a fall in demand in the past seven days, although there are still 263 people in hospital in England with swine flu, 30 of whom are in critical care.

It is unusual to have it around this time of year even at the levels we have got Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer

Meanwhile, the number of people going to see GPs with flu symptoms stands at 21 per 100,000 people.

The figure is now lower than would be expected during a bad winter, and elsewhere in the UK the levels of illness being reported are even lower.

But Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson said: "It is unusual to have it around this time of year even at the levels we have got.

"We do expect a second wave, but we can't forecast when. The best guess is it will be this winter."

To combat the expected rise in flu cases, the government has already announced a vaccination programme will start in the autumn.

People with health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, and pregnant women will be immunised first.

A decision has yet to be taken about whether the rest of the population will get the jab.

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