Flu cases more than double in a week across Scotland as hospital admissions soar

Lab-confirmed cases of flu rose to 1,759 between November 24 -30 - up from 845 the week before.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said vaccination remained the best protection against infection, with more than 1.5m doses delivered so far this season.

But as hospital admissions rise from 426 to 724, a number of health boards have increased their flu activity from low and medium to high.

NHS Dumfries & Galloway and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde increased from medium to high activity level, while NHS Shetland and NHS Tayside increased from low to high.

The latest figures from Public Health Scotland (PHS) follow a 45% increase in flu cases in Scotland in the week ending November 23.

That week, PHS reported age groups were affected by flu at levels not previously seen at that time of year.

Flu-like illness has now increased in all groups, but to a higher intensity in the younger age groups - ages one to four and five to 14.

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Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Vaccination remains the best protection against flu and I encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for theirs.

“As part of our free, nationwide programme, most health boards are offering a blend of appointments and drop-in clinics, making access simpler for people with busy lives.

“As part of winter preparation, all health boards launched their winter vaccination programmes in early September and continue to make steady progress.

“I have used every available opportunity in my role to promote vaccination and continue to do so.

“As of 30 November, over 1.1 million adult flu vaccines have been delivered – over 87,000 more than this point last winter.

“In addition, more than 439,000 children have had their vaccine, bringing the total number of flu vaccinations delivered this season to over 1.5 million.”

Earlier this week, Glasgow GP Dr Victoria Shotton said there had been a “massive increase” in presentations on a daily basis.

She added: "Unfortunately it looks like this year's jab isn't offering the same protection as last year. Through no fault of anyone involved, it isn't quite covering the main strain that's going around.

"However, that doesn't mean that it's not worth getting because it will still offer some protection and prevent the flu from getting so serious that you need to go to hospital."

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Early evidence from UKHSA has shown this year’s vaccine does a good job preventing severe disease, as measured by hospital admissions due to flu for the strains currently circulating in the UK.

Children are around 70-75% less likely to attend or be admitted to hospital with flu if vaccinated, and adults are around 30-40% less likely to attend or be admitted.

In Glasgow, health bosses have told people with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms not to attend A&E or visit friends or family in hospital given fears over the virus spreading to vulnerable patients.

NHS Western Isles has strongly urged anyone with flu-like symptoms or feeling unwell to avoid visiting hospital patients and care home residents to avoid putting vulnerable people and local healthcare services at risk.

The health board has also issued a reminder about its ‘virtual visit’ policy, with patients offered the use of iPads to connect with family and friends.