Influenza A (H1N1) update
10/12/2009
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 95 per 100,000. This is a small decrease on last week's figure of 97.
- The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 is 21.3, a decrease on last week's figure of 30.4.
- These rates suggest that an estimated figure of 3,100 people have consulted their GP. However, taking account of the number of people having H1N1 but not consulting their GP, HPS estimate that around 8,900 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week, down from 12,300 last week.
- As of December 9, there have been 1344 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. 70 people have required hospital admission in the last week and, as of yesterday, all of those remained in hospital.
- The estimated uptake rate so far for people under 65 years in a clinical at risk group is 33.2 per cent, among individuals aged 65 years and over in a clinical at risk group is 20.3 per cent and among pregnant women is 36.7 per cent. Overall this equates to 25.5 per cent for the whole clinical at risk group.
- The estimated uptake rate so far among front line health and social care staff is 45.7 per cent and 29.5 per cent, respectively. This is an an increase of 3 per cent and 4 per cent respectively compared with last week.
- There have been 54 deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak.
- There was a 39 per cent decrease in antiviral prescribing in the last week.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "It is encouraging to note a drop in the number of cases of flu-like illness again this week. As more people are vaccinated we should continue to see these numbers fall as immunity to H1N1 increases.
"For the first time we are able to give figures for the number of people in priority groups who have been vaccinated and these are encouraging.
"This is a mild illness for most but it is vitally important that everyone who is offered a vaccine comes forward to take it. We have seen all too often this year the tragic consequences of people developing complications from H1N1 and the best protection against this is vaccination.
"In particular, I would again urge pregnant women to come forward to be vaccinated. We know that pregnant women are more at risk of developing complications if they contract this illness and vaccination will protect not only them but their unborn baby.
"Health boards and GP surgeries are continuing to focus their efforts on getting pregnant women vaccinated to ensure that they are all offered the jag by Christmas."
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 - 172
- Borders - 111
- Dumfries and Galloway - 71
- Fife - 87
- Forth Valley - 69
- Grampian - 74
- Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 110
- Highland - 105
- Lanarkshire - 79
- Lothian - 69
- Orkney - 41
- Shetland - 66
- Tayside - 111
- Western Isles - 141
- Scotland - 95
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