Swine flu claims another victim in Scotland, bringing toll to 48

Published on Monday 30 November 2009 15:53

ANOTHER person has died after contracting swine flu, bringing the death toll in Scotland to 48 since the outbreak began, health chiefs said today.

The adult, who had underlying health conditions, was from the NHS Ayrshire and Arran area.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "It deeply saddens me to confirm another H1N1 related death. My thoughts are with the patient's loved ones during this difficult time.

"I want to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to fight H1N1. However, we must all remain vigilant and I would underline the importance of maintaining hygiene standards and urgently seeking medical advice if you are concerned about your symptoms or believe you are at greater risk of influenza complications."

Last month it was announced that children aged over six months and under five years will be the next priority group to get the swine flu jab.

The age group will be prioritised after GPs have finished vaccinating at-risk groups, which include people aged six months to 65 with conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

Pregnant women and frontline health workers are also currently being given the jab.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Vaccination is our best defence against H1N1 and the programme is progressing well.

"We are vaccinating people within the priority groups as soon as vaccines arrive in the country and we remain firmly on track to have offered the vaccine to everybody in the first phase of the priority groups by Christmas."