The Scottish Government

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A(H1N1) update

29/10/2009

Latest rates of GP consultations for flu-like symptoms The latest figures, from Health Protection Scotland, about the incidence of influenza A (H1N1) in Scotland have been published today.

The findings are:

• A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illnesses - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 111.4 per 100,000. This is an increase from last week's figure of 88.5.
• The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 is the same as last week at 38.5.
• These rates suggest that an estimated figure of 6,720 people have consulted their GP. However, taking account of the number of people having H1N1 but not consulting their GP, HPS estimate that around 19,200 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week.
• As of October 26, there have been 556 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. 176 people have required hospital admission in the last week and, as of yesterday, there were 65 in hospital in Scotland.
• There have been 25 deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak.
• Weekly school returns following the mid term break indicated no overall increases in school absence levels.

Speaking about the weekly reported figures, Ms Sturgeon said:

"This week's figures show an increase in the number of people consulting their GP with flu-like symptoms, but the number of samples testing positive for H1N1 has roughly stayed the same.

"Overall the numbers have risen and this has been reflected in the rise of hospital cases and tragic deaths. This rise has always been expected but I must continue to remind people to do everything they can to protect themselves, including getting the necessary medical advice if they feel they are more at risk, maintaining strict hygiene levels and taking advantage of the vaccination programme.

"The vaccination programme has been introduced in Scotland and will be offered to people in the priority groups over a phased period of time. As this is a rolling programme I urge people to wait to be invited before contacting their GP for the vaccine. Everyone in the priority groups should expect to be vaccinated by the end of the year.

"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."

Background

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

Ayrshire and Arran - 79

Borders - 140

Dumfries and Galloway - 88

Fife -80

Forth Valley - 124

Grampian - 69

Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 157

Highland - 62

Lanarkshire - 134

Lothian - 110

Orkney - 22

Shetland - 86

Tayside - 94

Western Isles - 126

Scotland - 111

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