Flu cases in Scotland 'likely to rise further', warns health secretary

Flu cases in Scotland are likely to rise further in the coming weeks after the recent sharp increase, the health secretary has said.

Neil Gray said the west of Scotland and Grampian regions are currently among the worst affected by flu cases, though the impact will likely be felt around the country.

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

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

On BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show, Gray stressed the importance of flu vaccines, saying more than 1.5 million people have received their jabs so far.

He said: “We are seeing a different geographic spread – Greater Glasgow and Clyde, North Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Arran, Dumfries and Galloway and Grampian are the worst affected at the moment.

“But I don’t expect that to continue to be just those areas that have that profound impact.”

Asked when cases might peak, he said: “It’s impossible to tell for certain, because obviously it depends on how the flu spreads.

“But at the moment, it appears to be following the same trajectory as we saw last year, which saw a short and sharp, sudden spike.

“That is happening earlier this year, which is part of the issue that we’re facing. But we can expect the continued trajectory to rise in the coming weeks.”

Any decisions on further public health advice – such as on mask-wearing – will depend on the Government’s own advice, he said.