Flu cases in Scotland down for second week in a row

Flu cases in Scotland have fallen for the second week in a row.

Latest figures by Public Health Scotland show that lab-confirmed flu cases have fallen by around 35%, from 1,994 in the previous week to 1,297 in the most recent week.

Hospital admissions due to flu over the same period also fell by 29%, from 950 to 679.

Health secretary Neil Gray is urging those eligible to take up the flu vaccine.

He said: “Vaccination remains the best protection against the virus and I encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for theirs if they have not yet done so.”

Gray continued: “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.

“Recent data suggests that flu activity has started to decrease, but we typically see activity across January, February and March.

“Increased socialising this festive season will continue to spread the virus, so we are urging those eligible to get vaccinated and help protect each other and our NHS this winter.”

Public Health Scotland has laid out guidelines to help keep the spread from increasing again.

Anyone with symptoms, such as a cough, a high temperature, and feeling tired and achy, is advised to do the following: