Flu activity continues to increase in Scotland

With case numbers for flu rising sharply this week, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is continuing to encourage those who are eligible to come forward to receive their vaccine. 

New figures published today show that laboratory-confirmed cases of flu more than doubled in the past week, rising from 845 to 1,759.  

Hospital admissions due to flu also increased by 70% in the past week, rising from 426 the previous week to 724. 

Those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk of serious flu illness, hospitalisation, and in some cases, death. This is why the flu vaccination programme is focussed on protecting those who are most vulnerable to becoming seriously ill with flu. 

Early evidence from UKHSA shows that this year’s vaccine does a good job preventing severe disease, as measured by hospital admissions due to flu for the strains currently circulating in the UK. Children are around 70-75% less likely to attend or be admitted to hospital with flu if vaccinated, and adults are around 30-40% less likely to attend or be admitted.  

Dr Kim Marsh, Viral Respiratory Pathogens lead at Public Health Scotland, explains:  

“Flu can seriously disrupt anyone’s life but, for some people, flu hits harder. With case numbers of flu having risen again in the past week, we're continuing to encourage those who are eligible to come forward to receive their flu vaccine. Vaccination remains the best way to help protect yourself against serious illness from flu.  

“NHS Boards in Scotland are working at pace to deliver the winter vaccination programme and look forward to welcoming you for your appointment. For more information regarding eligibility and to book, or rearrange, your appointment visit nhsinform.scot/flu” 

Pregnant women are strongly recommended to take up the vaccines, which will give them and their babies the best possible protection against serious illness from the viruses. 

Everyone who works in the NHS and all frontline social care workers are also eligible for the flu vaccine this winter. 

The flu vaccine is also being offered to all children from 2 years old to the end of secondary school, as well as children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu.  

Look out for your invitation or book your appointment 

Most people who are eligible for this year’s vaccination will now have received their invitations by text, email or post, in a white envelope with clear NHS Scotland branding.  

Pregnant women can book an appointment online or via the national vaccination helpline, with further information available from midwives. 

Those who work in the NHS and frontline social care workers may not receive an invitation and are encouraged to check local arrangements for eligible staff and book their appointment now. 

Parents and carers should have received appointment letters by post, or consent forms in their child’s school bag, and are encouraged to take up the flu vaccine offer this winter.  

What to do if you suspect you have flu 

To prevent the spread of flu, we continue to recommend regular handwashing and advise people with symptoms of respiratory illness to stay off work or school and away from hospitals until you’re feeling better. Advice on how to recognise and manage flu-like symptoms is available at NHS Inform. 

Additional information 

To find out if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine this year visit www.nhsinform.scot/flu 

For more information about the child flu programme visit www.nhsinform.scot/childflu 

Some people may also be eligible for other vaccines, including RSV and COVID-19 this year. More information about the coronavirus vaccine, including who is eligible, is available on www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine 

More information about the RSV vaccine is also available on NHS Inform RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform and RSV vaccine during pregnancy | NHS inform 

More information about the early start to this year’s flu season and the influenza A(H3N2) strain which is currently circulating is available in our recent blog With this year’s flu season starting early, find out how to stay protected - Our blog - Public Health Scotland  

More information on UKHSA’s study is available on their website: Flu vaccine providing important protection despite new subclade - GOV.UK