Swine flu: The 24 known victims this winter may be only a fraction of the true number, admit experts

The 24 lives claimed by swine flu this winter could be a fraction of the true death toll, medical experts admitted yesterday. The known victims so far include one pregnant woman and nine children. Last night it emerged that at least one of those killed by swine flu had been vaccinated against the virus. Over the last seven days the swine flu death rate has risen by 60 per cent and doctors warn it will continue to rise over the next few weeks.In total 27 people have died from flu this winter, with 24 of these victims of swine flu, or H1N1. The others died from a different strain, known as influenza B. But many victims die from complications such as a heart attack or pneumonia, so the virus is not recorded on their death certificate. Doctors defended the use of the vaccine, which they said was effective in between 70 and 80 per cent of cases – a relatively high success rate compared with other immunisations against flu. (Daily Mail)