Scottish Government

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Influenza A (H1N1) update

17/12/2009

A child treated by the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Health Board area has died after contracting H1N1, bringing the total number of swine flu deaths to 56. The patient had underlying health conditions.

The latest figures from Health Protection Scotland about the incidence of influenza A (H1N1) in Scotland have also been published today.

The findings are:

• A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illnesses - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 89.3 per 100,000. This is a decrease of 6 per cent on last week's figure of 95
• The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 is 21.8, a small increase on last week's figure of 21.3
• These rates suggest that an estimated figure of 2,790 people have consulted their GP. However, taking account of the number of people having H1N1 but not consulting their GP, HPS estimate that around 7,970 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week, down from 8,900 last week
• As of December 14, there have been 1,409 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. 65 people have required hospital admission in the last week and, as of yesterday
• The estimated uptake rate so far for people under 65 years in a clinical at risk group is 39.9 per cent, among individuals aged 65 years and over in a clinical at risk group is 28.8 per cent and among pregnant women is 40.3 per cent. Overall this equates to a vaccination rate of 35 per cent
• The estimated uptake rate so far among front line health and social care staff is 48.0 percent and 32.5 per cent respectively. This represents an increase of 2 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively compared with last week
• There have been 56 deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak
• There was a 10 per cent decrease in antiviral prescribing in the last week

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

"Regrettably we have had confirmation of another death associated with H1N1. My thoughts are with the patient's family and friends and this sad time.

"Once again, I would like to encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward to be vaccinated. It is the best way to protect yourself from H1N1 which, unfortunately, can lead to serious complications in some cases.

"The second phase of vaccinations - for all children ages six months to five years - will begin shortly so I would also like to encourage all parents to ensure that their children are immunised against the virus."

Anyone who is concerned about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP for advice, or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24. Further information on the vaccine programme is available via the new Scottish Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline on 08000 28 28 16.

Rates of GP consultations for flu-like illness per 100,000 population in Scottish NHS Boards:

• Ayrshire and Arran - 197.8
• Borders - 116.2
• Dumfries and Galloway - 81.4
• Fife - 68.3
• Forth Valley - 56.6
• Grampian - 68.8
• Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 102.1
• Highland - 62.1
• Lanarkshire - 74.3
• Lothian - 71.0
• Orkney - 44.7
• Shetland - 48.9
• Tayside - 98.2
• Western Isles - 159.5
• Scotland - 89.3

Population figures per board area, mid-year 2008 estimates (GROS)

• Ayrshire and Arran - 367,510
• Borders - 112,430
• Dumfries and Galloway - 148,580
• Fife - 361,815
• Forth Valley - 290,047
• Grampian - 539,630
• Greater Glasgow and 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