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January 10, 2003
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Flu Rate at Record Low in Britain"
Xinhua News Agency (202.84.17.11/en/main.htm) (01/10/03)
According to a new report, just 27 per 100,000 people had consultations for flu-like symptoms in Britain during the first week of January, which is the lowest influenza rate since 1967, when data was first recorded. Similar flu rates exist for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the official report said. Normal flu rates for Britain at this time of year are much higher, according to Public Health Laboratory Service doctor Carol Joseph. Increased use of the flu vaccine is thought to be one reason for the low number of flu cases, the report said.
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