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Influenza A (H1N1) update
24/09/2009
The latest figures about the incidence of influenza A (H1N1) in Scotland have been published today.
Today's findings, published by Health Protection Scotland, are:
- A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illnesses - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 62.1 per 100,000. This is an increase from last week's figure of 53.3.
- The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 has increased to 17.6 per cent, this is consistent with the increase in swab positivity observed over the last two weeks.
- These rates suggest that around 2,462 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 7,034 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week. An age adjusted method is now used to estimate the number of cases.
- As of September 23, there have been 165 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. Fourteen people have required hospital admission in the last week and, as of yesterday, there were nine people in hospital in Scotland.
- A patient from NHS Lanarkshire is receiving ECMO treatment in Glenfield Hospital in Leicester and is in a critical condition - no further information will be released.
- There have been nine deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak.
- There have been a number of schools with higher than expected levels of absenteeism over the last week - these levels are now returning to normal.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"We have seen the figures show a significant increase in the number of people consulting their GP with flu-like symptoms over the last few weeks.
"Today's figures show another increase in the number of people consulting their GP, an increase in the number of overall estimated cases and an increase in the proportion of samples testing positive for H1N1.
"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.
"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 - 46
Borders - 40
Dumfries and Galloway - 26
Fife - 46
Forth Valley - 68
Grampian - 85
Greater Glasgow and Clyde -79
Highland - 62
Lanarkshire - 29
Lothian - 27
Orkney- 0
Shetland - 28
Tayside - 156
Western Isles - 39
Scotland - 62
* 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