Listen
Influenza A (H1N1) update
25/02/2010
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 illness - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 76.6 per 100,000 - the same as last week's figure.
- 3.3 per cent of samples tested positive for H1N1 in those people consulting their GPs through the sentinel scheme. This reflects only one positive swab from 30 tested.
- The proportion of cold and flu related calls to NHS 24 decreased from 2.2 per cent to 1.9 per cent.
- As of February 22, there have been 1,540 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. In the last week one person required hospital admission.
- The estimated uptake rate of the vaccine so far for people under 65 years in a clinical at risk group is 54.1 per cent, among individuals aged 65 years and over in a clinical at risk group is 55.4 per cent. Overall this equates to a vaccination rate of 54.6 per cent - up from 54.1 per cent the previous week.
- As of January 8, the uptake rate in front line health and social care staff is 51.5 per cent and 32.4 per cent respectively.
- As of February 22, there have been 68 deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"I am pleased to see that the figures continue to show that number of people contacting H1N1 in Scotland is decreasing.
"However, after taking expert advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation we have agreed to continue the offer of H1N1 vaccination to the initial phase one priority groups over the summer.
"For most people the H1N1 virus has mild symptoms but some, especially those who we have defined as a priority, can suffer severe complications. We encourage people in the initial priority groups - such as those with long term conditions and pregnant women - to continue to come forward for and accept the vaccination to ensure they are protected against low levels of H1N1 still circulating in our communities."
Please note, due to the continuing decrease in H1N1 levels, Health Protection Scotland will now report incidence of influenza A (H1N1) in Scotland on a monthly, rather than weekly, basis.
In line with this, the Scottish Government will no longer issue news releases on the figures, unless there are any significant changes to the situation.
The new monthly report will be available on the Health Protection Scotland website.