NHS coping despite ‘upsurge’ in flu cases – John Swinney

PHS has warned there are early signs the high levels of flu circulating are contributing to “acute pressures” on the health and care system, including an increase in GP consultations and hospital admissions.

Its most recent data showed that in the past week the number of people consulting their GP about flu reached the highest level recorded in seven years – since the winter of 2017/2018.

In total there were 2,752 cases of flu confirmed across all age groups in Scotland – a 63% jump from 1,696 the previous week.

PHS noted only “a small number of deaths” had been reported among care homes.

However, it found more than two thirds of people under the age of 65 but with underlying health conditions had still not been vaccinated against flu, mirroring trends elsewhere.

Dr Nicholas Phin, the director of public health science at PHS warned 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 described vaccination as “one of the best tools we have in protecting against serious illness from flu”.

Dr Phin also advised people to stay at home if feeling unwell and to maintain hand and mouth hygiene to avoid spreading any viruses.