Flu rates continue to increase steeply across Scotland

Indicators of flu activity continue to rise steeply among people of all ages in Scotland. As a result, Public Health Scotland (PHS) are emphasising the importance of people being aware of what they can do to prevent the infection from spreading and causing severe illness to vulnerable people in the community and within healthcare settings. 

Preliminary data available to PHS indicates that the recent sharp increase in activity is continuing across all age groups. Laboratory-confirmed cases of flu in Scotland have nearly doubled the past four consecutive weeks. 

Flu, or influenza, is an infectious virus and can be serious, particularly for those with underlying health conditions. You can catch flu all year round, but it’s especially common in winter. 

Some of the main symptoms of flu include: 

• a sudden high temperature 
• tiredness and weakness 
• a headache 
• general aches and pains 
• a dry, chesty cough 
• sore throat 
• diarrhoea or tummy pain 
• feeling sick and being sick 
• chills. 

Dr Nicholas Phin, Director of Public Health Science at PHS, said: 

“The level of flu currently circulating has the potential to seriously impact our hospital services. Flu is not just a bad cold; it 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 offers the best protection 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 a respiratory infection and feel unwell, or have a fever, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, especially those who are vulnerable to severe infection. 

“A&E services are exceptionally busy, so we encourage everyone to think carefully before attending if you have flu-like symptoms. Your local A&E is for emergencies, such as a suspected heart attack or stroke, severe breathing difficulties or severe bleeding. If you have flu-like symptoms and you need additional advice or support, but your condition it is not life threatening, you should visit nhsinform.scot or call NHS 24 on 111 first. 

“We can all help infections, like flu, from spreading by maintaining proper hand and respiratory hygiene. This includes covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, disposing of tissues responsibly, and promptly washing your hands afterwards.” 

Find out more about the winter vaccination programme on NHS inform 

Find out more about flu on NHS inform  

View our latest viral respiratory diseases in Scotland surveillance report