THE swine flu epidemic has claimed a North East bus driver as its latest victim as concern grows that thousands of businesses could be hit by the flu outbreak.
Heartfelt tributes have been made to 40-year-old Peter Bladen who died in County Durham where he lived with his wife Sharon.
It is unknown how quickly the killer virus took hold of Mr Bladen’s system before his sudden death on January 4.
The home he shared with his family in Scardale Walk, Belmont, near Durham city, has been inundated with condolence cards and flowers from well-wishers paying tribute to the driver remembered for his brilliant sense of humour.
For more than a decade Mr Bladen was a familiar face to thousands of County Durham residents in his role as a bus driver with Go North East.
The deterioration in his health and subsequent death have stunned his colleagues and friends at the bus depot in Picktree Terrace, Chester-le-Street, where he was based.
A spokesman for Go North East said: “Peter was an excellent employee with a brilliant sense of humour and was very well thought of. He was just 40 years old and had worked for us for 15 years as a driver.
“All his friends and colleagues are very shocked and saddened by his sudden death and our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.”
Peter is the latest known swine flu victim in the North East where weekly figures reveal there are currently 58 people critically ill with the virus. Disabled Carl Winspear, 28, from Washington, died last week after being struck down with the strain and Ade Bellenie, 47, from Fulwell in Sunderland, died on New Year’s Eve after being diagnosed with swine flu.
A coroner has confirmed there will be no inquest to establish Mr Bladen’s cause of death.
It is unknown if he had underlaying health issues but his family, who are making plans for his funeral, have confirmed to The Journal he died from swine flu.
Symptoms of the bug include a fever or high temperature with some sufferers experiencing aching muscles, a sore throat or dry cough.
But the warning signs for the potentially fatal H1N1 virus are similar to those of other ailments. Cold symptoms usually begin with a sore throat, which usually goes away after a day or two.
A runny nose or congestion can follow, along with a cough by the fourth and fifth days. Fever is uncommon in adults, but a slight fever is possible in children.
Dr Tricia Cresswell, deputy medical director at NHS North East and an expert in public health, said: “Pregnant women and those under 65 with chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and certain other conditions are at greater risk of more serious illness if they catch flu. Our clear message to those who are at risk is to get vaccinated as soon possible.
“We still want to see vaccination rates increase further and would like to reassure people that we have enough vaccine for everyone who needs to be protected this winter.”
Anyone with any concerns should contact their GP surgery or GP out-of-hours service.
