'Help protect yourself': Warning to those eligible for the flu jab as cases more than double
Hospital admissions for the flu have increased by 70% in one week 🚨
- Flu cases have more than doubled in the last week.
- Hospital admissions due to flu also increased by 70% in the past week.
- Those eligible for the flu vaccine are being urged to come forward.
Flu infections are continuing to soar across Scotland, with cases more than doubling in the last week.
The latest figures show that laboratory-confirmed cases of flu have risen in the past week from 845 to 1,759. Hospital admissions due to flu also increased by 70%, rising from 426 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.
Public Health Scotland is urging all those who are eligible to come forward for their flu vaccine to make sure they are protected ahead of the Christmas holidays.
Dr Kim Marsh, Viral Respiratory Pathogens lead at Public Health Scotland, said: “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.”
How to avoid catching the flu?
The best way to protect yourself from becoming seriously ill from the flu is with the flu vaccine. Other ways to help avoid catching the flu include regularly washing your hands and, if spending time inside, making sure the area is well-ventilated.
If you find yourself unwell, help to prevent spreading the flu by limiting contact with others, especially those who are more vulnerable to becoming seriously unwell, and by wearing a face mask if you do have to go outside.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Nobody wants anyone in their family, especially young children, to spend Christmas in hospital. The best defence against this is a vaccine, but time is running out as it can take up to two weeks from vaccination for your body to build maximum protection. So don’t delay any longer; if anyone in your family is eligible, book that appointment today or take your child to the local community clinic.
“You can also help flu-proof your festivities by taking simple steps to protect yourself, family and friends. If you have flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, cough or feeling tired and achy, try to limit contact with others, especially those at higher risk. Wash your hands regularly, keep indoor spaces well-ventilated and if you need to go out while unwell, consider wearing a face mask.”
Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccination programme is focused on protecting those who are most vulnerable to becoming seriously ill with flu.
Those eligible include people aged over 65, those under 65 in clinical risk groups, care home residents, carers, pregnant women, close contacts of the immunosuppressed, and frontline health and social care workers.
The flu jab is also being offered to all children from two years old to the end of secondary school, as well as children aged six months to two years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu.
Cases of the flu are continuing to soar across Scotland. Find out more about symptoms and how to access the flu jab at NHS Inform.
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