There have been 16 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Bermuda since the first was reported in June.

However a delay in the vaccine's arrival means it will now not be offered to residents until early December. "There have been 16 laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in Bermuda in 2009," Chief Medical Officer John Cann said at a press conference yesterday. "A total of four patients have been hospitalised. There have been no deaths."

Adolescents and young adults account for the majority of cases globally, Dr. Cann stated.

"The latest reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that more than 199 countries worldwide have reported laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in 2009.

There have now been more than 482,300 cases and over 6,000 deaths reported globally.

"The actual number of cases is likely to be much higher than these numbers indicate, as most cases have not been tested. Countries are no longer required to test and report individual cases."

Meanwhile, Health Minister Walter Roban put on a brave face as he got the seasonal flu shot in front of the media at a press conference. Mr. Roban was injected in his upper right arm by registered nurse Carmelita Pitcher of the Department of Health.

He said: "It is my hope that members of the public seeing me get my shot will encourage others to do the same."

Mr. Roban gave an update on the seasonal flu and Swine Flu.

"We have maintained consistent contact with our overseas counterparts, the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization and our regional colleagues regarding the status of the outbreak. We have stressed good health habits like covering one's cough, observing regular hand washing and ensuring proper nutrition to attempt to maintain good health."

He continued: "In June, we announced that the WHO had upgraded the pandemic alert from phase five to phase six indicating that a pandemic was imminent. It was also in June that we advised the public of the Government's intent to install hand sanitisers in all Government buildings for use by civil servants and the general public.

"In September, I announced what was being called the second wave of Influenza A (H1N1)."

The Minister added it was important that everyone:

¦ exercise good hygiene by covering your cough and washing hands

¦ plan ahead for school closures and flu in the family

¦ not panic H1N1 is no more severe than the normal winter flu. If you aren't feeling well, stay at home to limit the spread of the virus.

He added that flu shots can be administered at the Hamilton Health Centre or the circulating Flu Express.