Scotland is being battered by a flu epidemic with soaring levels of cases and hospitals being flooded with patients. It has led to calls for those with symptoms like a cough or a runny nose to stay at home, and anyone who is valid for a vaccine should be taking advantage of this.
Experts even called the surge “extraordinary” as hospital emissions caused by influenza increased by 12% in just a week. Public Health Scotland confirmed that prevalence was at 52.6 per 100,000 of the population in the week leading up to December 29.
In the same week, 1,537 patients were taken to hospital as a result of the flu outbreak, compared to 1,375 the previous week. And the number of positive tests also rose slightly from 2,823 to 2,886, slowing from earlier in the summer.
According to a report from PHS on Friday, a “substantial number of well-vaccinated” care homes have faced outbreaks, but thus far “only a small number of deaths have been reported”. SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray warned that the NHS continues to face “significant” pressures due partly to the rise in flu cases.
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Hospitals across the country were already struggling due to lack of forward planning by the Scottish Government but have now been stretched to breaking point. In December, ambulances were spotted piled up outside both Glasgow and Aberdeen’s main hospital due to an influx of patients.
Mr Gray said: “The NHS continues to face significant winter pressures, including cases of Influenza A, which remain very high. I am enormously grateful to all those working in health and social care settings for their extraordinary efforts over the busy festive period. I was encouraged to hear about the collaborative working right across the system, with strong leadership and staff supporting each other.
Neil Gray
(Image: PA)
“I want to thank the public, too, for taking heed of messages about accessing the right care in the right place, and taking steps to help slow the spread of infection. It is important for everyone to be familiar with the different resources available, including NHS Inform’s online tools that can help you to get appropriate health advice as quickly as possible.”
The Health Secretary added that all those eligible for vaccinations should take up the offer. His calls were echoed by Dr Nick Phin, the Director of Clinical Protecting Health at PHS, who also warned that those exhibiting symptoms should stay at home.
He said: “Although we always expect to see increases in flu in winter, we are seeing particularly high levels this year. This is worrying 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.
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“Vaccination offers the best protection against serious illness from flu. If you’re eligible for a flu, or COVID-19 vaccine, it’s not too late to take up the offer and get protected. In many areas, drop-in clinics are running. Check your local health board website or social channels for local arrangements or you can call the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.
“We urge everyone to do what they can to reduce flu, and other respiratory infections, being spread to others. If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection and feel unwell, or have a fever, stay at home and avoid contact with other people. Visit NHS.inform to get advice on your symptoms and what to do next.
“We can all help to prevent infections, like flu, from spreading by maintaining good hand and respiratory hygiene. This includes covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, disposing of tissues responsibly, and promptly washing your hands afterwards.”
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