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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.

 

It refused to say if any patients with the virus were flown to mainland hospitals.

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-like symptoms and anyone who is concerned about their symptoms particularly any breathing difficulties to contact NHS 24 on 08454 242424 or their GP for advice.”

 

She said: “For the most part seasonal flu (including H1N1) remains a self-limiting illness usually followed by a full recovery, which can easily be managed at home with rest, plenty of fluids and simple analgesia.”

 

Vaccinations are available for people in a high risk group, aged over 65 years and pregnant women.

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