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Influenza A H1N1 update
31/12/2009
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 illness - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 113.3 per 100,000. This is a six per cent increase on last week's figure of 97.4 per cent
- The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 was 17.9 per cent, a slight increase on last week's figure of 14.8 per cent
- These rates suggest that an estimated figure of 2,540 people have consulted their GP. However, taking account of the number of people having H1N1 but not consulting their GP, HPS estimates that around 7,240 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week, an increase of 14.7 per cent on last week
- The proportion of cold and flu related calls to NHS 24 decreased from 4.9 per cent to 3.9 per cent
- As of December 30, there have been 1,474 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. In the last week 35 people have required hospital admission
- The estimated uptake rate of the vaccine so far for people under 65 years in a clinical at risk group is 45.8 per cent, among individuals aged 65 years and over in a clinical at risk group is 38.1 per cent and among pregnant women is 45.1 per cent. Overall this equates to a vaccination rate of 42.4 per cent. HPS have now revised last week's overall uptake figure to 40.6 per cent
- The estimated uptake rate so far among front line health and social care staff is 50.8 per cent and 32.1 per cent respectively
- There have been 62 deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Although this week's figures show a slight increase in the estimated number of people having contracted H1N1, this is not statistically significant as numbers have a tendency to fluctuate from week to week. Nor is it evidence that the pandemic is entering a new phase. The overall trend over the past nine weeks has been a continued decline.
"The figures are a reminder of the importance of vaccination. I would encourage all those who have been invited for vaccination to come forward. As the programme enters its second phase, with children under five being offered the jag, we should see a further decline in the number of cases.
"The picture across Scotland this week also reminds us how vital it is to maintain good standards of hand hygiene."
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 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 - 70.8
- Borders - 247.4
- Dumfries and Galloway - 117.1
- Fife - 102.0
- Forth Valley - 119.2
- Grampian - 76.5
- Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 161.6
- Highland - 85.9
- Lanarkshire -117.2
- Lothian - 65.5
- Orkney - 28.2
- Shetland - 60.3
- Tayside - 131.9
- Western Isles - 331.9
- Scotland - 113.3
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