2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus in Scotland: geographically variable immunity in Spring 2010, following the winter outbreak

A report from Eurosurveillance, please read the long but very informative study, excerpt :

" We determined the age- and location-specific seroprevalence of antibodies against 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus in Scotland following the first two waves of infection. Serum samples collected following the winter outbreak were analysed by microneutralisation assay. The proportion of positive sera varied significantly between cities and, in the case of Inverness, between age groups (with younger adults more likely to be positive than older individuals). This study demonstrates that older people are no longer more likely to have antibodies against the virus than younger adults.

The pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus has been spreading throughout the world since May 2009. The objective of this study was to determine the age- and location-specific seroprevalence of antibodies against 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus in Scotland following the first two waves of the pandemic. Although population demographics and contact patterns will vary between countries, this information will assist European public health policy makers in planning for the 2010-11 influenza season."