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Hospital flu admissions rise by 12% in a week

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Eligible Scots have been urged to get vaccinated for flu

Hospital admissions in Scotland caused by flu have increased by 12% in a week, new figures show.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) has described the amount of laboratory confirmed influenza this winter as "extraordinary" - with prevalence at 52.6 per 100,000 of the population in the week up to 29 December.

In the same week, 1,537 people were taken to hospital as a result of the flu outbreak, compared to 1,375 the previous week.

Only a "small number" of deaths have been reported, according to a PHS report.

It found the number of positive tests had increased slightly from 2,823 to 2,886, slowing from earlier in the summer.

PHS added that a "substantial number of well-vaccinated" care homes have faced outbreaks.

'Particularly high levels'

The combined number of hospital admissions for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and Covid-19 have risen by 6% to 1,878 in the week up to 29 December.

Dr Nick Phin, director of clinical protecting health at PHS, said: "Although we always expect to see increases in flu in winter, we are seeing particularly high levels this year.

"This is worrying 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."

He said vaccination offered the best protection against serious illness and urged eligible Scots to get a jag.

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Health Secretary Neil Gray

The report was published after Health Secretary Neil Gray warned the NHS continued to face "significant" pressures, including a "very high" number of flu cases.

He thanked health and social care staff for their "extraordinary efforts" over the festive period, and the public for taking steps to slow the spread of infection.

"It is important for everyone to be familiar with the different resources available, including NHS Inform's online tools that can help you to get appropriate health advice as quickly as possible," Gray said.

He added that all those eligible for vaccinations should take up the offer.

In England, the number of people with flu in hospital has quadrupled over the past month.

NHS leaders there have described the rise as "very concerning".

The health warning has coincided with a cold snap, with the Met Office warning temperatures could drop as low as -10C in parts of rural Scotland on Friday night.