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Influenza A (H1N1) update - 21st January 2010

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

Please note that due to public holidays data are based on a different number of working days per week, therefore comparisons with other weeks should be made with caution.

The findings are:

A rate of GP consultations for flu-like illness - not necessarily H1N1 - across Scotland of 92.9 per 100,000, a decrease on last week's figures of 112.8 per 100,000.

The proportion of community samples that tested positive for H1N1 was 7.2 per cent, a decrease on last week's figure of 10.8 per cent.

These rates suggest that an estimated figure of 1320 people have consulted their GP. However, taking account of the number of people having H1N1 but not consulting their GP, HPS estimates that around 3770 people have contracted H1N1 in the past week.

The proportion of cold and flu related calls to NHS 24 decreased from 3.9 per cent to 2.9 per cent.

As of January 18, there have been 1,525 people with influenza A (H1N1) hospitalised since the start of the outbreak. In the last week 12 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 50.8 per cent, among individuals aged 65 years and over in a clinical at risk group is 47.0 per cent. Overall this equates to a vaccination rate of 49.1 per cent - up from 47.0 per cent the previous week.

The estimated uptake rate so far among front line health and social care staff is 51.5 per cent and 32.4 per cent respectively.

As of January 18, there have been 66 deaths linked to influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the outbreak.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:

"This week's figures continue to show a relatively stable picture across Scotland. It is pleasing to see that the number of samples testing positive for the virus has decreased."

"As the vaccination programme enters its second phase I continue to encourage parents with children aged six months to five years to come forward and accept the jag. Vaccination remains our best defence against this pandemic which, in some cases, can have tragic consequences."

Latest rates of GP consultation for flu-like illness

* Ayrshire and Arran - 65.3

* Borders - 108.1

* Dumfries and Galloway - 96.7

* Fife - 72.3

* Forth Valley - 85.5

* Grampian - 58.9

* Greater Glasgow and Clyde - 154.7

* Highland - 63.1

* Lanarkshire -84.1

* Lothian - 54.0

* Orkney - 56.6

* Shetland - 124.9

* Tayside - 101.7

* Western Isles - 258.6

* Scotland - 92.9

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

The full HPS weekly situation report on influenza A (H1N1) can be found at: http://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/resp/swineinfluenzareports.aspx

Answers to frequently asked questions can be found in the Scottish Government's Fast Briefing: www.scotland.gov.uk/fastbrief

To access more information about Influenza A (H1N1):

NHSGGC flu portal: www.nhsggc.org.uk/H1N1

NHSGGC infection control advice: http://www.nhsggc.org.uk/content/default.asp?page=s1297

NHSGGC occupational health services helpline: 0141 232 0755 (Mon-Fri 8.30am – 4.30pm)

NHSGGC HR specific questions on Influenza A (H1N1) HRFLUQUESTIONS@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Information From The Government To Parents

Letter To Parents (pdf, 68kb)

ParentZone Q&A (pdf, 19kb)

Swine Flu Information

When you cough or sneeze, your germs go everywhere. Fast. And once they’ve hit a surface, they can survive for hours. Covering your mouth and nose with your hand won’t stop them. But a tissue will. Catch the sneeze, then bin the tissue and wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible to kill the germs. The current swine flu alert increases the importance of this.