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A surge in flu cases across Scotland has placed health services in the country under “acute pressure”, Public Health Scotland (PHS) has warned. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The number of people consulting their GP about the illness reached the highest level recorded in seven years – since the winter of 2017\/2018.<\/p>\n
PHS doctors described current numbers as being “particularly high”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The number of people with the flu increased across every age group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The data found<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n PHS noted only “a small number of deaths” had been reported among care homes.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/a><\/p>\n Dr Nicholas Phin, the director of public health science at PHS, said the current levels were “a concern”. <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “Vaccination is one of the best tools we have in protecting against serious illness from flu.<\/p>\n “During this time of increased socialising, we urge everyone to take preventive measures to reduce flu, and other respiratory infections, being spread to others.”<\/p>\n Dr Phin advised people to stay at home if feeling unwell and to maintain hand and mouth hygiene to avoid spreading any viruses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n