Scottish swine flu total jumps by 4,000 in a week

Published on Thursday 30 July 2009 18:09

MORE than 4,000 people have contracted swine flu in the past week in Scotland, health officials today said.

The rate of GP consultations for flu-like symptoms has increased slightly over the past week to 55 from 47 per 100,000, official figures today showed.

About 10.6% of community samples tested positive for swine flu – similar to the figure of 10% last week.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said today: "As would be expected, we are seeing rises in GP consultations for flu symptoms in some parts of Scotland – Grampian and Tayside in particular – while in other areas significantly fewer people are seeing their doctors.

"We continue to monitor this situation very carefully.

"Over the coming weeks we will be increasing the number of spotter practices, which will give us an even clearer picture of how the virus is behaving in Scotland."

Health chiefs said latest consultation rates indicate that about 1,500 people have consulted their GP with H1N1 flu in Scotland over the past week.

But, taking account of the number of people having the virus, but not consulting their GP, Health Protection Scotland estimate that around 4,300 people have contracted it in the past week.

There have been 65 people with swine flu hospitalised since the start of the outbreak – up 10 from last week.

As of today there are four people in hospital, one of whom is being treated in Sweden who is critical but stable.

Four people have died through the virus in Scotland since the start of the outbreak.

The latest figures show around 2,300 people a day are calling the flu response service and NHS 24 to report flu-like symptoms.

"NHS 24 and our GPs are responding very well to the pandemic, as is our Scottish flu response service," Ms Sturgeon added.

"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's important that anyone who is at greater risk gets the help they need as quickly as possible."