NHS Ayrshire and Arran have this week played down fears that there could be a swine flu breakout in the Three Towns area.

There has been one case confirmed to the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald, with a number of others rumoured in the local area.

Georgina Tracey, of Rowanside Terrace, is currently in the high dependency unit of Crosshouse Hospital suffering from pneumonia.

Her brother, Billie Fisher, this week told us that his sister had contracted the H1N1 strain of influenza, which is now classified as seasonal flu.

He said: “Gina is in the high dependency unit after she was admitted suffering from pneumonia and bronchial problems, but they said there was also an underlying problem.

"The nurse later told us it was swine flu.” It is unclear when Georgina became ill with the disease and Billie added: “No one has any idea of where she contracted it, although I have been told there are a number of other cases locally.

"She is being well looked after in hospital, but she is still very ill.” Dr Gill Hawking, Consultant in Public Health medicine yesterday (Tuesday) released the following statement: “We do not routinely collate figures for cases of influenza in the community.

"However routine surveillance by Health Protection Scotland indicates that there are currently low levels of influenza circulating in the community across Scotland.

"This is in keeping with what we would expect to see at this time of year.

“The H1N1 virus, sometimes called swine flu, is now one of the routine winter flu strains that circulate each winter.

"This year’s standard flu vaccine protected people against a number of strains, including H1N1.

“As with any viral infection, good hygiene is the most effective way of preventing the spread of infection.

“Frequent handwashing, keeping surfaces clean, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, are fundamental steps we can all take to prevent any infection spreading.

“If you do catch seasonal flu, you should stay away from school, work or childcare until you have recovered.

"If medical advice is required, you could contact NHS 24 or your GP.” More information about seasonal flu is available from the NHS inform website: www.nhsinform.co.uk/health-library/articles/f/flu/introduction.