Spate of swine flu in Western Isles 31/3/14
Swine flu, the H1N1 virus which caused a global pandemic five years ago, is the main strain of flu in the Western Isles this winter, according to Western Isles NHS.
Three islanders were so severely ill with the infection recently that they were treated in isolation in the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway.
A seasonally late outbreak of flu has affected many islanders prompting Western Isles NHS to urge people to staying at home while infectious to prevent it from spreading.
It stresses the swine flu virus is now commonplace and is one of the routine winter strains.
Many people have gained a natural immunity after being exposed to the infection during the 2009 pandemic.
Recently, there has been some cases where people with flu have become quickly and significantly more unwell than expected, highlighted the health authority.
Hospital nurses have been offered flu jabs and are undertaking infection control measures in wards.
A NHS spokesperson highlighted: ““The H1N1 virus is one of the winter flu strains that circulate every winter, which causes the same types of symptoms and illness as other strains of flu.”
She added: “Complications can occur so we do advise anyone in the ‘at risk’ groups
developing flu-
She said: “For the most part seasonal flu (including H1N1) remains a self-
Vaccinations are available for people in a high risk group, aged over 65 years and pregnant women.
.