Latest respiratory figures highlight the importance of vaccinations to winter protection

The latest figures of viral respiratory diseases, published by Public Health Scotland (PHS) today, show a sharp increase in laboratory-confirmed cases of flu in Scotland. There were also over 350 flu-related emergency hospital admissions in the first week of December. In addition, cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain at extraordinary levels. 

In Scotland, in those under the age of 65 years, over two thirds of those at greatest risk of serious illness from flu have not yet been vaccinated. Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness. If you’re eligible for a flu, or COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late to take up the offer and get protected.

RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the lungs and is the leading cause of emergency admissions to hospital in infants. Currently, rates of RSV are highest in those children under 1 year of age. To help protect newborns and infants, pregnant women are being offered the RSV vaccine during antenatal appointments with their midwife from 28 weeks into their pregnancy.

Since August, 45% of eligible pregnant women have taken up the offer of an RSV vaccine. If you are over 28 weeks pregnant and haven’t yet had your RSV vaccine, please speak to your midwife.

Maintaining proper hand and respiratory hygiene can also help protect against numerous common viruses. Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, disposing of tissues responsibly, and promptly washing your hands afterwards, can all help to prevent infections spreading. 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.

View the latest viral respiratory diseases report 

More information on the winter vaccination programme is available: NHS Inform Winter vaccines | NHS inform

Information on the RSV vaccine and other vaccines offered during pregnancy is available: Vaccines in pregnancy | NHS inform

We published a blog last week which includes further advice on the things we can all do to help keep ourselves and others well during the winter season: Advice for breathing easy this winter - Our blog - Public Health Scotland