Scotland is experiencing a significant increase in flu cases, leading to a surge in hospitalizations. Public health officials are urging those eligible for vaccination to get protected.
Scots are increasingly being hospitalised as the flu continues to rise steeply across the country. Public Health Scotland (PHS) figures show a 63% increase in laboratory-confirmed cases of flu across all age groups in Scotland in the past week - rising to 2,752 cases from 1,696 the previous week. NHS bosses say the spike is putting major pressure on the health service with GP appointments at their highest rate since the 2017/18 winter season.
Hospital admissions have also risen by 65% from 705 last week to 1,163. Medics are calling for those with underlying health conditions who are under the age of 65 years in Scotland to get vaccinated, with over two thirds having not received the jab. Dr Nicholas Phin, Director of Public Health Science at PHS, said: “Although we always expect to see increases in flu in winter, currently we are seeing particularly high levels of the virus circulating. This is a concern, as flu can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, and even death, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. “Vaccination is one of the best tools we have in protecting against serious illness from flu. If you’re eligible for a flu, or COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late to take up the offer and get protected. Please check with your local health board for details on how to arrange this. “During this time of increased socialising, we urge everyone to take preventive measures to reduce flu, and other respiratory infections, being spread to others. If you have symptoms of flu or have a fever, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, especially people in hospital or those who are vulnerable to severe infections. “We can all help prevent infections, like flu, from spreading by maintaining proper hand and respiratory hygien
FLU PUBLIC HEALTH HOSPITALIZATIONS VACCINATION SCOTLAND
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