Scots swine flu deaths reach 34

The vaccine for the virus is being targeted at priority groups

An adult from the Dumfries & Galloway region who was suffering from an underlying health condition has died after contracting H1N1.

This takes the total number of Scottish swine flu related deaths to 34.

Scottish government estimates put the number of people contracting swine flu in the past week at 21,500.

NHS Scotland has received just under 550,000 doses of the Pandemrix vaccine, about 40% of the number needed for the priority groups.

Following the announcement of Scotland's 34th death linked to the virus, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "I send my condolences to the patient's loved ones at this sad time.

"Fortunately, for most, H1N1 is mild and symptoms shouldn't persist longer than a week, but some people are at greater risk of influenza complications and that is why priority groups have been identified as part of the vaccination programme.

"Everyone who is in the priority groups will be invited, by their GP, to take up the vaccine. The vaccination programme is well underway and people will be invited on a rolling basis."