Plea for Scots to get flu jab after cases double amid spread of deadly mutation

Health leaders are pleading with the public to get the flu jab amid the deadly spread of the virus across Scotland.

The latest data showed flu cases have more than doubled in a week, with hospital admissions rising by 70%.

The uptick in cases has taken place at an earlier time than in previous flu seasons.

A decision was made to halt hospital visits in NHS Ayrshire and Arran from December 4 due to a rise in cases.

The Scottish health secretary has now warned that the jab is the “most important protection” that people can take.

“Pick up the flu vaccine and ensure that you’re taking up the advice that’s available on NHS Inform and through NHS24,” Neil Gray said.

He added that the rise in flu cases is “undoubtedly” having an impact on accident and emergency.

Data released by Public Health Scotland shows 7.4% of A&E patients waited more than 12 hours in the week ending November 30, up from 5.7% the week before.

Meanwhile, the number of patients waiting under the four-hour target dropped to 17,320 (61.3%), down from 17,670 (65.6%) the week prior.

“We are seeing congestion within the system, and that’s why I want to make sure that our social care provision is as robust as possible to allow the flow to happen through the system,” Gray said.

“That supports the ambulance service, it supports the accident and emergency clinicians, as well as making sure that patients are being well served.”

Joseph Carter, head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, added that vaccinations “save lives”.

“Last winter, a record number of people in Scotland died from flu, with the highest numbers of flu deaths since 1979,” he explained.

“The simple message is, vaccinations save lives, reducing the spread of flu and helping the body fight the virus if you do get it. This means that you are less ill and less likely to need emergency care.

“The best thing you can do to stay out of hospital is to get your flu jab.”