Scotland Influenza A H1N1 Update Highlights Decrease In Flu Cases

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

Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline 08000 28 28 16

The findings are:

• A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illnesses – not necessarily H1N1 – across Scotland of 106.2 per 100,000. This is a decrease from last week’s figure of 111.4
• The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 is similar to the previous two weeks at 39 per cent
• These rates suggest that an estimated figure of 6,120 people have consulted their GP. However, taking account of the number of people having H1N1 but not consulting their GP, HPS estimate that around 17,487 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week. Both of these figures represent a decrease from last week
• As of November 02, there have been 691 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. 135 people have required hospital admission in the last week and, as of yesterday, there were 82 in hospital in Scotland
• There have been 31 deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak
• There are currently no reports o f abnormal school absence rates

Speaking about the weekly reported figures, Ms Sturgeon said:

“This week’s figures show an overall decrease in the number of people consulting their GP with flu-like symptoms, the total number of estimated cases and the number of positive samples.

“There is no trend to the figures, and they can fluctuate, but we must prepare for an almost continual rise in cases throughout winter until the effects of the vaccination programme are evident.

“However, people must do everything they can to protect themselves, including getting any medical advice they feel necessary, maintaining strict hygiene levels and taking advantage of the vaccination programme.

“The vaccination programme is now underway, and I urge everyone who is in the priority groups to accept the vaccine when invited to do so by their GP. This is a rolling programme but 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.

Topics: GP, H1N1, illnesses, influenza, influenza A, Scotland, Swine Flu, symptom, vaccination, vaccine

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