Swine flu claims two more lives in Scotland

Published on Sunday 11 October 2009 22:24

TWO more people in Scotland with underlying health problems have died from swine flu, prompting ministers to urge those in high-risk groups to seek urgent help if they show symptoms of the virus.

The deaths of two men – one aged 42 from Glasgow, the other a 75-year-old from the Grampian health board area – bring the Scottish total to 12, with 92 deaths in all across the UK.

Risk factors include heart and lung problems, and diabetes. Only one of those to die in Scotland – Bill Anderson, 53, from Fife – did not have underlying health issues.

The deaths announced yesterday came three days after the weekly total of people admitted to hospital with the H1N1 virus reached a new high.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon called on those most vulnerable to swine flu to act promptly. She said: "I'd like to express my sincere condolences to the friends and family of both patients at this very sad time.

"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 you get the help you need as quickly as possible if you are at greater risk."

The Scottish Government said last Thursday that 36 people had been admitted to hospital with the virus over the previous week – more than twice the total for the week before. This brings the total who have received hospital treatment to 208.

Yesterday, a Scottish Government spokesman said the latest available figures showed there were 14 people in hospital last Monday, five of whom were in intensive care. It is not known whether the two people whose deaths were announced yesterday were among them.

Estimates suggest about 6,800 people caught the H1N1 virus in Scotland last week, down from almost 13,800 the previous week, which was the highest weekly level recorded so far. A further 18,000 caught swine flu in England – down from 14,000 the week before.

The rate of GP consultations for flu-like illness was equal to 86.1 people per 100,000 – compared to 103.7 in the previous week. The number of samples testing positive for swine flu also decreased, from 34.1 per cent to 16.4 per cent.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Flu epidemics are unpredictable and weekly increases and decreases are to be expected.

"This does not mean we can be complacent about the threat presented by the H1N1 outbreak, and it is likely we will see further increases over the next few weeks.

"Hospitalisations continue to increase and this means it is even more vital that those deemed at risk do all they can to protect themselves, including taking advantage of the forthcoming vaccination programme.

"The news that the second manufacturer, Baxters, has now also had a licence granted by the European Commission means the vaccination programme can begin as soon as vaccines are distributed and reach GP practices."

The UK government is still awaiting deliveries of the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) vaccine, but it is hopeful that the first doses will be given to priority groups and health workers at the end of the month.

The two vaccines are being given to 600 children aged six months to 12 years in five English cities in a research trial to determine their effectiveness.