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H1N1 Death
13/11/2009
A child from Lanarkshire has died after contracting H1N1, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today.
The youngster had an underlying health condition.
Scottish Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline:
08000 28 28 16
NHS 24:
08454 24 24 24
This death brings the total number of H1N1 related deaths in Scotland to 35.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Any death is a tragedy for family and friends but even more so when a child is involved. My heart goes out to the child's family.
"Sadly this death highlights that H1N1 can cause severe complications, although - fortunately - it is a mild illness for most.
"People with underlying health conditions are at greater risk of complications which is why they are a priority group for vaccination.
"The vaccination programme is now well underway and people will be invited on a rolling basis, by their GP, to take up the vaccine."
If you are concerned about flu-like symptoms contact your GP for advice or call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.
Further information on the vaccine programme is available via the Scottish Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline on 08000 28 28 16.
To protect patient confidentiality we will now only be reporting the following information in any H1N1 death:
- Whether the patient was a child, elderly person or adult
- Which health board area they were a patient of
- The presence of underlying health conditions or pregnancy