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Influenza A (H1N1) update
23/07/2009
The latest figures about the incidence of influenza A (H1N1) in Scotland since a change to the reporting system have been published today.
Today's findings are:
- A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illness - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 47 per 100,000
- Ten per cent of community samples tested were positive for H1N1
- There have been 55 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. Two are in hospital as of today
- There have been four deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"These latest figures show that H1N1 continues to circulate in Scotland but overall levels of illness which may be due to this virus remain relatively low. There are some parts of Scotland showing potential increases but this is to be expected.
"We continue to monitor this situation carefully and this week the new reporting system includes a larger number of GP practices. The new reporting system is still in the early stages but already this is giving us a very helpful picture of how the virus is affecting Scotland.
"It remains the case that, in the majority of confirmed H1N1 cases to date, the symptoms have been mild and recovery straightforward.
"Nonetheless, NHS Scotland is doing its utmost to ensure that anyone who may be at greater risk gets the help they need as quickly as possible."
Ms Sturgeon said that unlike England, Scotland is not launching the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) today because NHS 24 and GPs are continuing to manage the demands on the service.
She said: "We are keeping this situation under review and if demand grows over the next few months, we have the ability to opt into the NPFS service at a later stage.
"A separate Scottish flu response service was set up on 1 June by NHS 24. The staffing in it has grown to keep pace with the growth in flu cases.
"At present calls to the flu response service and NHS 24 of people who believe they have flu-like symptoms are averaging at around 2000 per day.
"People in Scotland who are worried about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24."
Rates of GP consultation for flu-like illness per 100,000 population in Scottish NHS Boards*:
- Ayrshire and Arran - 42
- Borders - 40
- Dumfries and Galloway - 44
- Fife - 25
- Forth Valley - 58
- Grampian - 43
- Greater Glasgow and Clyde -59
- Highland - 36
- Lanarkshire - 27
- Lothian - 41
- Orkney- 4
- Shetland - 47
- Tayside - 122
- Western Isles - 11
- Scotland - 47
* These figures are based on relatively small sample sizes, particularly in smaller boards, so should be interpreted with caution.
Population figures per board area, mid-year 2008 estimates (GROS)
NHS Board areas population size
- Ayrshire & Arran 367,510
- Borders 112,430
- Dumfries & Galloway 148,580
- Fife 361,815
- Forth Valley 290,047
- Grampian 539,630
- Greater Glasgow & Clyde 1,194,675
- Highland 309,900
- Lanarkshire 561,174
- Lothian 817,727
- Orkney 19,890
- Shetland 21,980
- Tayside 396,942
- Western Isles 26,200
- Scotland 5,168,500