Published: Monday, 30th November, 2009 3:00pm

Swine flu: new victim

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An adult from the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Board area has died after contracting H1N1, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today.

The patient had underlying health conditions.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:"It deeply saddens me to confirm another H1N1 related death. My thoughts are with the patient's loved ones during this difficult time.

"I want to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to fight H1N1. However, we must all remain vigilant and I would underline the importance of maintaining hygiene standards and urgently seeking medical advice if you are concerned about your symptoms or believe you are at greater risk of influenza complications.

"Vaccination is our best defence against H1N1 and the programme is progressing well. We are vaccinating people within the priority groups as soon as vaccines arrive in the country and we remain firmly on track to have offered the vaccine to everybody in the first phase of the priority groups by Christmas."

If you are concerned about flu-like symptoms contact your GP for advice or call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.

Further information on the vaccine programme is available via the Scottish Swine Flu Vaccination Helpline on 08000 28 28 16.