Large surge in Scottish flu cases as new strain takes hold

Flu cases across Scotland have jumped by 45% in the past week, rising from 555 to 805 laboratory-confirmed cases, official figures show.

In the week ending 23 November, the infection rate stood at 14.5 per 100,000 people – an increase from 10 per 100,000 the previous week, according to Public Health Scotland (PHS).

Hospital admissions have also increased from 279 to 391, as has test positivity, rising from 11.0% to 15.8%.

PHS reports that all age groups are now affected at levels not previously seen this time of year.

Dr Victoria Shotton, a GP who is based in Glasgow’s east end, said her surgery was seeing three times the number of patients with flu than last year.

She told the BBC’s Radio Scotland Breakfast programme: “We are seeing a massive increase in presentations on a daily basis. It has started early this year and is more severe than last year.”

She said this year’s flu jab was not proving to be as effective as hoped due to a new mutation that was circulating.

“Unfortunately it looks like this year’s jab isn’t offering the same protection as last year,” she said.

“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.”

In NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde there were 272 flu cases in the week ending 23 November – an 18% increase on the previous week when 230 cases were recorded.

The infection rate stood at 22.3 per 100,000 people – an increase from 18.9 per 100,000 the previous week.

In Dumfries and Galloway some hospital wards have been closed to new admissions, due to an early rise in seasonal flu and norovirus infections.

Visiting has been restricted across all sites and the use of masks reintroduced – as the combination of illnesses prompted appeals for public co-operation.

Dr Kenneth Donaldson, medical director for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said: “We are currently seeing a significant increase in both respiratory and gastrointestinal infections across the region.

“Seasonal flu has arrived early this year, and we are also managing a rising number of norovirus outbreaks.

“These illnesses are circulating widely in the community and are now having a major impact on services.”

He urged people not to visit hospitals, care homes, or other healthcare settings if they were unwell.

“Even mild symptoms can easily pass to others and have serious consequences for vulnerable patients,” he said.

Face masks have been reintroduced for NHS staff working in clinical areas in Dumfries and Galloway and all hospital visitors are being asked to wear face coverings where possible.

Staff in social care settings and independent contractors in primary care settings, such as GP practices, are also being strongly encouraged to consider face coverings.

The main flu symptoms are:

• A sudden, intense fever
• Aches all over
• Feeling hot and cold
• Feeling lethargic
• Having sensitive skin
• Suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea

Dr Shotton advised people when to seek medical help.

“If you are struggling to breathe or getting severe pain in your chest or suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea, those are the three big areas that suggest you need further support,” she said.

She added that everyone eligible for a flu jab should have received a text message, a phone call or a letter by now but they could go onto the NHS Inform and book an appointment.

“All over-65s, children of nursery school and school age and people with certain pre-existing health problems, like chronic lung conditions or on cancer treatment, are eligible,” she said.