A British schoolgirl is fighting for her life after being admitted to hospital in Greece with complications caused by swine flu. Natasha Newman, 16, is being treated in the intensive care unit of Penteli Children’s Hospital in Athens and is described as being in a “very serious” condition.
Natasha was on holiday on the island of Cephalonia when her illness started to give concern. It is believed she first contracted the flu in the UK but did not seek medical attention until her symptoms became critical, trying first to just carry on with her holiday. The schoolgirl had just finished her GCSEs at the prestigious Scottish boarding school Gordonstoun.
Greek doctors have said that she is receiving Tamiflu and antibiotics, as well as other treatments. She is believed to have contracted the virus ten days ago but did not seek medical help until the 8th day. She was airlifted from Cephalonia on Monday with a dangerously high temperature.
Meanwhile, Sir Liam Donaldson, the chief medical officer, has said that he is hopeful that the rate of infection has reached a “plateau”. He said that the number of new cases is no longer rising as rapidly and there has also been a fall in the number of 5 -14 year old children contracting swine flu, believed to be due to the start of the school holidays.
However there has been a rise in the number of cases reported amongst other age groups and in the North of England. Health experts believe that the full extent of the infection will not be felt until Autumn, when schools start again and workers return from the holidays.