Flu cases down 43% in past week but increase anticipated over new year

Flu cases in Scotland fell by 43% in recent days, but there are warnings of an increase over the new year.

Public Health Scotland figures show in the week ending December 28, there were 751 recorded incidences of the flu virus, down 43% from 1,317 cases in the week ending December 21.

Some 445 people were admitted to hospital for treatment in the most recent week, a decrease from 716 in the week to December 21.

However, revellers have been warned new year celebrations could see rates increase again.

Health secretary Neil Gray said: “Flu is still circulating and we must remain vigilant, despite a decline in cases.

“We typically see rates rise between January and March, and increased socialising over the new year period will continue to spread the virus.

“Vaccination remains the best protection against the virus and I would urge those eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help protect each other and our NHS.

“Evidence shows that this year’s vaccine does a good job of preventing hospital admissions for the strains currently circulating.

“As of December 21, more than 1.3 million adult flu vaccines have been delivered – over 111,000 more than this point last winter.

“In addition, more than 516,000 children have had their vaccine, bringing the total number of flu vaccinations delivered this season to over 1.8 million.

“We are taking a range of measures to ensure our health service is as resilient as possible over the next few months and £20 million has been allocated for health board initiatives to increase social care capacity and relieve pressure on acute services.”