Flu Cases Rise in Scotland, Puts Acute Pressure on Healthcare

As fun as winter season is to sit in front of the fire place, light a bonfire or to just cuddle in bed, it is also a season of diseases. It is also infamous for being the "flu season". Previously in this month, there were reports released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that noted a surge in flu cases in the United States. Now this week, Public Health Scotland (PHS) has reported a sharp rise in flu cases in Scotland. This has placed a significant amount of strain on the country’s health services. In the past week, 1,163 people were hospitalized due to the virus—a 65% increase from the previous week’s total of 705.

Flu-related GP consultations have reached their highest level in seven years, with the last comparable figures recorded during the winter of 2017/2018. PHS doctors have described the current numbers as "particularly high," emphasizing the growing burden on health services.

Data shows a 63% rise in confirmed flu cases, climbing from 1,696 to 2,752 in just one week. The increase has affected all age groups, with care homes seeing "substantial" circulation of influenza despite most residents being vaccinated.

While intensive care units have experienced "relatively little pressure" from flu, there was one recent case of a pregnant woman admitted to ICU due to the virus. Alarmingly, over two-thirds of people under 65 with underlying health conditions remain unvaccinated, heightening their risk of severe illness.

Dr. Nicholas Phin, PHS’s Director of Public Health Science, expressed concern over the high levels of flu currently circulating.

“Flu can lead to severe illness, hospitalization, and even death, particularly among 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 in protecting against serious illness from flu,” he stated.

He also urged individuals to stay home if feeling unwell, maintain good hygiene practices, and take steps to prevent the spread of respiratory infections during the winter season.

First Minister John Swinney chaired a meeting with representatives from the Scottish Ambulance Service, Public Health Scotland, NHS 24, and local health boards to address rising flu rates and winter pressures on the NHS.

Health Secretary Neil Gray reinforced the importance of using available resources to access appropriate care.

“It remains incredibly 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,” he said.

He advised people to call NHS 24 at 111 or visit nhsinform.scot for guidance, reserving 999 calls for life-threatening emergencies.

As Scotland faces a challenging winter, health officials are emphasizing the importance of flu vaccination and preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus. With increased socializing during the season, collective vigilance can help protect vulnerable populations and ease the pressure on health services.