THE number of people in hospital with swine flu in the region has risen significantly in the past week, health bosses have confirmed.

A total of 58 patients are being treated for the disease in hospitals across the region, according to statistic released by the North-East Strategic Health Authority, compared to 36 the previous week.

Of the region's four NHS trusts, Teesside appears to be experiencing the slowest spread of the virus, with just two patients hospitalised.

A total of 14 patients in the Durham and Darlington trust area have are in hospital with swine flu, compared with 20 in South of Tyne and Wear and 22 in North of Tyne.

More than 7,000 courses of anti-viral drugs have been authorised by the government's National Pandemic Flu Service.

Martin Wilson, director of NHS flu resilience in the North-East, said: "We have seen a significant increase in the number of people in hospital during the past week.

"It is imperative that those at risk of catching flu, including all front-line health and social care staff, take up their free vaccines for swine and seasonal flu as soon as possible.

"Although swine flu continues to be a mild disease in the majority of cases, for 'at risk' groups the complications can be much more serious.

"Those most at risk include pregnant women and people who have chronic breathing problems, heart disease, liver disease or other long-term conditions such as diabetes."

There have been a further 27 patients hospitalised with flu-like symptoms in North Yorkshire, in the past fortnight, according to NHS Yorkshire and Humber.

The flu service can be accessed by calling 0800-1513-100 or by visiting direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu