Flu surge adds to 'acute pressure' on healthcare

A surge in flu cases across Scotland has placed health services in the country under "acute pressure", Public Health Scotland (PHS) has warned.

Data from PHS showed 1,163 people were hospitalised due to the virus in the past week - an increase of 65% on the previous seven days, when the total was 705.

The number of people consulting their GP about the illness reached the highest level recorded in seven years - since the winter of 2017/2018.

PHS doctors described current numbers as being "particularly high".

The public health agency warned: "There are early indications that high levels of circulating flu are contributing to acute pressure on the health and care system, including an increase in GP consultations and hospitalisations."

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.

The number of people with the flu increased across every age group.

The data found that among care homes in the country a "substantial number" had found influenza circulating, but residents were confirmed as having taken the flu vaccine to combat it.

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

For intensive care units, the flu had caused "relatively little pressure" but PHS noted there was one case of a pregnant woman admitted to ICU due to influenza in the most recent reporting.

Over two thirds of people under the age of 65 but with underlying health conditions have still not been vaccinated against flu, mirroring trends elsewhere.

Dr Nicholas Phin, the director of public health science at PHS, said the current levels were "a concern".

He 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.

"During this time of increased socialising, we urge everyone to take preventive measures to reduce flu, and other respiratory infections, being spread to others."

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

First Minister John Swinney has chaired a meeting with representatives from the Scottish Ambulance Service, Public Health Scotland, NHS 24 and local health boards about rising flu rates and NHS winter pressures.

Health Secretary Neil Gray, who also attended the meeting on Friday evening, reiterated the government's advice on the importance of accessing "the Right Care in the Right Place".

He said: "It remains incredibly 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.

"People should always dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency, but if that is not the case please visit nhsinform.scot or call NHS 24 on 111 first."