600,000 ULSTER VICTIMS; Third of us will get Swine Flu say experts.. but don't panic.

Byline: JILLY BEATTIE

A THIRD of people in Northern Ireland will catch swine flu - but there is still no need to panic, experts said yesterday.

It would mean at least 600,000 of the population would contract the virus at some stage.

But Health Minister Michael McGimpsey revealed most will only experience mild symptoms and said he was confident the health service was prepared to deal with more serious conditions.

Cautioning against panic Mr McGimpsey added: "It's a fine line between people being complacent and being over-worried. We have to find the middle way.

"Most people who get this will experience symptoms similar to seasonal flu. More severe cases, we will look to deal with those."

He was speaking out after a meeting with health ministers from across the UK at the Government's Cobra committee to discuss developments.

A total of 33 people, including three children, have been diagnosed with swine flu in Northern Ireland so far.

Across the UK, there have been 6,538 cases but certain areas have been identified as hotspots - such as the Midlands which alone has 2,104 confirmed cases.

Three people have died so far- a girl of six in England and two in Scotland.

Mr McGimpsey said he had spent pounds 55.3million on measures to contain and treat the virus and warned that the total could rise further.

The first batch of vaccines are due to be available in September to coincide with the predicted surge of cases.

The minister said the policy of giving anti-virals to everyone who came into contact with infected people would not continue.

They would now only be given to people who actually display symptoms in order to preserve stock levels.

He added: "We currently have very high rates of swine flu in Scotland and England and effectively this is where Northern Ireland will go. We have done very well to contain the virus so far. But the public also have a role to play when it comes to personal hygiene to try to limit the spread."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said yesterday: "We will [be] vigilant in making sure the treatment of that disease in every part of the country is right and proper."

Voice of the Mirror: Page 10