Public Health Scotland (PHS) has warned that a rise in flu cases across Scotland has put health services in the country under “severe pressure”.
PHS figures show 1,163 people were hospitalized because of the virus in the past week – a 65% increase over the previous seven days, when the total number was 705.
The number of people consulting their GP about the illness rose to the highest level recorded in seven years – after the winter of 2017/2018.
PHS doctors described the current number as “significantly high”.
A total of 2,752 cases of flu were confirmed in Scotland across all age groups – a 63 per cent increase on the previous week’s 1,696.
The number of people infected with the flu increased in all age groups.
Data found that a “substantial number” of influenza was found to be circulating in care homes in the country, but that residents had confirmed receiving flu vaccines to combat it.
PHS noted that only “a small number of deaths” have been reported in care homes.
For intensive care units, the flu had created “relatively low pressure” but the PHS noted that there was one recent reporting case of a pregnant woman admitted to the ICU due to influenza.
More than two-thirds of people under the age of 65 but with underlying health conditions have not yet been vaccinated against the flu. Mirroring trends elsewhere.
Dr. Nicholas Finn, director of public health sciences at PHS, said the current levels are “concerning.”
He said: “While we always expect to see an increase in flu in the winter, we are currently seeing particularly high levels of virus circulating. This is a concern, as flu is a serious illness, hospital It can lead to ingestion and even death, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.
“Vaccination is one of the best tools we have to protect against serious illness from the flu.
“During this time of social distancing, we urge everyone to take precautions to reduce the risk of flu, and other respiratory infections. Do, which is spreading to others.”
Dr Finn advised people to stay home if unwell and maintain hand and mouth hygiene to avoid spreading any virus.