There has been recent evidence of an increase in the number of swine flu cases and the number of patients contacting their general practitioners with flu symptoms over the last few weeks.  There were around 6000 new cases reported in Scotland last week reversing the recent decline that had been seen when only around 3000 new cases had been reported per week dramatically down from the peak of 100, 000 new cases per week reported towards the end of July.

This could be evidence of the beginning of the ‘second wave’ of swine flu cases which had been expected towards the end of the year.  Although this rise in cases is sooner than had been thought it is likely to be several weeks of a sustained rise in numbers before the ‘second wave’ is confirmed.

In most who have had swine flu the illness remains mild with resolution of symptoms in around one week and although there have been deaths from H1N1 these do not begin to rival in numbers what is normally seen with seasonal flu.

Hygiene

It remains important that we all aim to focus on good hygiene to avoid the transmission of the virus.  There are simple measures that we can all adopt:

• Use a tissue to cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, dispose of this tissue promptly and then wash your hands. 
• Do not reuse tissues or use cloth handkerchiefs as this can lead to recontamination.
• Clean hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing and using tissues. 
• Avoid touching the mouth, eyes and/or nose, unless you have recently cleaned your hands. 
• Hard surfaces that are frequently touched by hands should be cleaned regularly with normal household detergent and water. 
• Hands should be washed on arrival at work and again when arriving home.

Vaccination programme

The potential threat from Swine flu remains serious and vaccination is the best defence we have against the H1N1 virus.  Scotland has preparations well under way for the vaccination programme.  This is due to start in October 2009.  This is in addition to the seasonal flu vaccination programme.  The seasonal flu vaccine offers no protection against Swine flu.

The Swine flu vaccine will be rolled out to those identified as priority groups initially.  These groups have been identified as:

• Those between 6 months and 65 years who have a medical condition that may be worsened by flu.
• Frontline health care and social staff.  Offshore medics and topside doctors are classed as frontline staff.
• Pregnant women.
• Household contacts of those with compromised immune systems and those aged over 65 years.

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