Swine flu danger remains with 17 new Lothian cases

HEALTH bosses today warned swine flu has not disappeared, with 17 new cases in the Lothians this winter.

• Cole, with mum Vicci, was hit by swine flu. Picture: JANE BARLOW

The warning comes as people are being urged to get vaccinated against seasonal flu.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Health chiefs say that 17 people have already been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus but with many more thought to have endured it without going to the doctor.

Pregnant women are being targeted by a drive to get those most at risk vaccinated.

None of the Lothians cases of swine flu have proved fatal, although two people have died elsewhere in Scotland.

The main difference from last year's pandemic is the H1N1 vaccine is included in the seasonal jab, meaning only one injection is required.

Dr Alison McCallum, director of public health and health policy for NHS Lothian, said: "We have seen a small increase in the number of cases. Getting vaccinated against flu is the best way to protect yourself and others from the virus. This year's vaccine includes protection from H1N1.

"If you are pregnant, have a long-term medical condition or are over 65, I would urge you to speak to your GP."

The Evening News revealed last month how swine flu had returned to the Lothians. Six-year-old Cole Simpson, from Broxburn, was struck down and his mother Vicci said GPs and his school were stunned at the infection's resurgence.

While H1N1 remains a relatively low-risk disease, it has proved over the past 18 months to be potentially lethal if it hits pregnant women.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gillian Smith, director of the Royal College of Midwives in Edinburgh, said: "I think there's a belief that catching the flu isn't that big a deal because people confuse it with having a bad cold.

"Being pregnant means you're at greater risk of complications from the flu because a woman's immune system is slightly suppressed to help them cope with pregnancy.

"At worst, you could experience premature labour, miscarriage or be hospitalised, so why put you and your baby's health at risk by not getting the flu jab?"

Last year the swine flu pandemic claimed ten lives in the Lothians, although almost all of the victims had underlying health conditions.

This year the threat is hugely reduced, to the point where Health Protection Scotland isn't publishing the weekly surveillance updates as it did before.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "For more vulnerable individuals, contracting flu can have serious or even fatal consequences.

"That's why it is important for people who are entitled to a vaccination - such as pregnant women or older people with chronic breathing and heart problems - make sure they get it. The simple jab provides the best protection."

Related topics: