Influenza A (H1N1) update

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

Today's findings are:

• A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illnesses - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 43.9 per 100,000. This is a slight increase from last week's figure of 40.2.
• The number of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 has increased to 19.2 per cent. This is partly due to swabbing more children from the 5-14 age group, which has a higher swab positivity rate.
• These rates suggest that around 1,168 people have consulted their GP with H1N1 flu in Scotland over the week-long reporting period. However, taking account of the number of people having H1N1 but not consulting their GP, HPS estimate that around 3,336 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week.
• As of September 8, there have been 130 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. Six people have required hospital admission in the last week and, as of yesterday, there were three people in hospital in Scotland.
• There have been seven deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak.
• There have been six schools reporting higher than expected absences during the course of last week. The following schools currently have higher than average absenteeism levels:
  
  Craigbank Primary, Clackmannanshire
  Lornshill, Clackmannanshire
  Gordonstoun, Moray

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

"Today's figures show an increase in the number of people consulting their GP with flu-like symptoms, an increase in the number of overall estimated cases and an increase in the proportion of samples testing positive for H1N1.

"NHS 24 and our GPs are responding very well to the pandemic, as is our Scottish flu response service. The latest NHS 24 figures show that the number of flu related calls has decreased slightly to around 730, compared to 885 last week.

"Simple hygiene measures like frequent handwashing and using tissues can do a huge amount to help prevent flu spreading.

"In the vast majority of cases, most people have fairly mild symptoms and make a full recovery within a week. But it is important that anyone who is at greater risk gets the help they need as quickly as possible.

"Anyone who is concerned about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP for advice, or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24."

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

Ayrshire and Arran - 41

Borders - 43

Dumfries and Galloway - 20

Fife - 24

Forth Valley - 65

Grampian - 53

Greater Glasgow and Clyde -36

Highland - 71

Lanarkshire - 31

Lothian - 16

Orkney - 6

Shetland - 37

Tayside - 127

Western Isles - 36

Scotland - 44

* These figures are based on relatively small sample sizes, particularly in smaller boards, so should be interpreted with caution.

The GP consultation rate calculation now takes into account the age bands presenting to GPs and the number of positive swabs in each band. This method is more accurate for arriving at a realistic figure of consultations.

Population figures per board area, mid-year 2008 estimates (GROS)

NHS Board areas - Population size

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

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