Scots swine flu total above 500

GP-diagnosed cases are given antiviral drugs like Tamiflu

The number of Scots with swine flu has risen above 500, after 10 cases of the virus were confirmed by tests.

The latest victims bring the total number of people in Scotland who have caught the H1N1 virus to 508.

Doctors in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS area have also diagnosed a further 351 possible cases.

A sample of these will be tested further to establish if the new method of diagnosis by GP is providing accurate statistics.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "As expected, we are continuing to see a rise in the number of H1N1 cases reported in Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

'Well prepared'

"We are one of the best-prepared countries in the world but it is really important that we stay focused on doing everything we can to minimise the impact the flu will have.

"I reiterate that the risk to the general public from this virus remains low and we can all play our part in slowing the spread by following simple hygiene procedures, like washing your hands and using tissues when coughing or sneezing."

On Sunday a 38-year-old Glasgow woman became the first person in Europe to die after being diagnosed with the virus.

Jacqueline Fleming had underlying health problems since the premature birth of her son, who died a day after his mother at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

The baby did not have the Influenza A (HIN1) virus.