Increasing number of swine flu cases is becoming a serious issue for the authorities as the number of swine flu cases has doubled within a week.

The number of swine flu patients in critical care beds has jumped from 74 to 99. The number of hospital cases in England has touched 506.

The number of swine flu deaths has reached 128. There have been 93 deaths in England, 21 in Scotland, eight in Northern Ireland and six in Wales.

Increasing swine flu death rate in under-45 age group is also worrying authorities. 54% swine flu deaths have been in the under-45 age group. Majority (77%) of deaths is in the under-65 group.

Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson said: "It's highly unusual to have so many younger people dying. We should not pass this off as an acceptable number."

Authorities believe flu season is contributing to the increasing number of swine flu cases. The number of new swine flu cases has shot up from 27,000 to almost double at 53,000 thereby taking the total number of cases 435,000 within last week. Authorities are also worried due to increasing cases of swine flu suspects which need some kind of treatment in hospital as it will put pressure on NHS.