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Influenza A (H1N1) update
17/09/2009
The latest figures about the incidence of influenza A (H1N1) in Scotland have been published today.
There has been a marked increase in the rate of GP consultations for flu-like illnesses across Scotland over the last two weeks.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon also confirmed a patient from Lothian who had been suffering from H1N1 has died.
The woman, who had significant underlying health conditions, is the ninth H1N1 patient to die in Scotland.
At the family's request, no further details will be released.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"The death of this woman is devastating for her family and friends, and I'd like to express my sincere condolences.
"While this tragic death shows that in some cases the H1N1 virus can cause complications, I would like to stress that the majority of people contracting H1N1 are continuing to experience mild symptoms.
Today's further findings are:
- A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illnesses - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 53.3 per 100,000. This is an increase from last week's figure of 43.9.
- The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 has decreased from 19.2 percent last week to 15.7 percent.
- These rates suggest that around 2,160 people have consulted their GP with H1N1 flu in Scotland over the week-long reporting period. However, taking account of the number of people having H1N1 but not consulting their GP, HPS estimate that around 6,180 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week.
- As of September 8, there have been 143 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. Thirteen people have required hospital admission in the last week and, as of yesterday, there were five people in hospital in Scotland.
- There have been nine deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak.
- Weekly returns from education authorities indicate no general increase in school absence levels this week.
Ms Sturgeon added:
"We have seen the figures show a significant increase in the number of people consulting their GP with flu-like symptoms and the number of overall estimated cases.
"The potential threat from H1N1 remains serious, even if it continues to be a relatively mild virus.
"Vaccination is the best defence we have against the H1N1 virus and Scotland is preparing very well for the vaccination programme.
"Simple hygiene measures like frequent handwashing and using tissues can do a huge amount to help prevent flu spreading.
"In the vast majority of cases, most people have fairly mild symptoms and make a full recovery within a week. But it is important that anyone who is at greater risk gets the help they need as quickly as possible.
"Anyone who is concerned about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP for advice, 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 - 44
Borders - 60
Dumfries and Galloway - 26
Fife - 31
Forth Valley - 51
Grampian - 76
Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 55
Highland - 58
Lanarkshire - 40
Lothian - 26
Orkney- 11
Shetland - 121
Tayside - 126
Western Isles - 31
Scotland - 53
* These figures are based on relatively small sample sizes, particularly in smaller boards, so should be interpreted with caution.
The GP consultation rate calculation now takes into account the age bands presenting to GPs and the number of positive swabs in each band. This method is more accurate for arriving at a realistic figure of consultations.
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