Swine flu outbreak more widespread than realised

THE swine flu outbreak of winter 2009-10 was much more widespread than was previously realised, scientists have revealed.

Blood samples taken from Scottish adults in March last year at the end of the H1N1 flu season showed that almost half were carrying antibodies of the virus.

Most of the 44 per cent who tested positive had contracted swine flu, although some had acquired immunity from a previous bout of flu, or had been vaccinated.

The research, led by the University of Edinburgh, shows that many cases of swine flu went unreported.

Only 100,000 people consulted their GP regarding flu, out of about two million who are believed to have contracted the virus.

People living in deprived areas were twice as likely to have contracted the virus.

Scientists add that it is possible that many people who were vaccinated against the virus were already immune.