A number of rugby matches due to be played at the weekend have been postponed due to suspected cases of flu at a leading Co Down club.
In a message to parents Banbridge RFC announced on its website that all youth training and youth mini rugby this weekend had been cancelled as a precautionary measures because of a number of suspected swine flu cases within the club.
Matches against Ballynahinch for the Under 13s, Under 15s and Under 17s on Saturday are off, as well as an Under 19 match against Bangor.
The news was revealed as the chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride reported a rise in suspected swine flu cases, highest in the 5-14 age group, and following soon after the start of new school year.
The Department of Heath, Social Services and Public Safety weekly bulletin said GP consultations for flu and flu-like illnesses had risen and were significantly higher than rates recorded last year - and were highest among 5-14s.
Out of hours calls had also increased and were highest among the same age group.
There were 37 new cases of laboratory confirmed swine flu during the week to September 11 and the total number of confirmed cases in the province stood at 228 as of noon on Thursday.
Antiviral prescriptions increased during the week to 480 compared to 301 the previous week, with 9,221 now issued in total.
The total number of people who have been hospitalised with swine flu in now 97.
There have now been two deaths related to the flu, the latest case a baby with underlying heart problems whose death was announced earlier this week.
Dr McBride said: "The number of contacts for flu-like illness made to GPs during this period has risen over the last week. The level still remains significantly higher compared to this time in previous years.
"The rate is highest in the 5-14 age group and this may be influenced by the schools returning after the summer break.
"Although, out of hours calls for flu-like illness have also increased in the past week, primary case services continue to cope well despite the increased demand on their services."
He reissued the warning for people who think they have the virus to stay at home and contact their GP by phone for advice - and for the use of simple but effective hygiene measures by everyone.
© Press Association