Slight rise in number of ´flu cases

NEVER mind bird flu, the recent unsettled weather has pushed up the number of cases of influenza in the Balearics.
The IB-Salud Balearic health service reported yesterday that during the period March 5-11, the number of 'flu cases per 100'000 inhabitants rose to 23'8, the second highest level this winter. Nevertheless, Ib-Salud sources said that this slight rise is still well below last winter's peak of 210 cases per 100'000 inhabitants.
The primary reason for the relatively low number of cases this winter, according to Ib-Salud, is the huge success of the flu vaccine campaign.
What is more, the fact that less people caught flu this winter has meant that hospitals have not had to deal with bed shortages.
Last week, Balearics hospitals were 85 per cent full.