Update on respiratory diseases and winter vaccines

Today’s viral respiratory diseases report shows continued circulation of flu at a high activity level in Scotland this winter, with 700 people admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 or flu infection in the first week of January.

Maintaining proper hand and respiratory hygiene can help protect against numerous common viruses. 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.

The report also highlights that uptake for the winter vaccines is currently lower than it was during winter 2022/23.

Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against the most likely circulating strains of flu and COVID-19 and it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Those who have not yet received their winter vaccines are encouraged to increase their protection by taking up the offer of vaccination.

To find out where the nearest drop-in clinics are, or to book an appointment, visit nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines

View the latest viral respiratory diseases report.

For more top tips on staying well this winter, please read our blog by Dr Jim McMenamin, Head of Health Protection (Infection Services): Top tips for keeping well this winter - Our blog - Public Health Scotland