A bold warning: flu is surging in Scotland, more than doubling in just one week.
Public Health Scotland’s latest surveillance shows a sharp rise in lab-confirmed flu cases in the week of 24–30 November, from 845 to 1,759. Hospital admissions followed suit, climbing 70% from 426 to 724. Officials say activity has reached a medium level two weeks earlier than in typical seasons, signaling an unusually early and intense flu period.
Health Secretary Neil Gray described the strain as challenging but reassured residents that flu vaccines remain stocked and available. Experts had warned at the start of November that the UK could face a long flu season with a newer variant that spreads more easily.
Scotland’s flu season began earlier than usual, with a notable rise in mid-November. Flu-like illness is now up across all age groups, though younger people—especially those aged 1–4 and 5–14—are experiencing higher intensity. Still, about 40% of recent hospital admissions involve people aged 65 and over, a pattern consistent with past seasons.
National Records of Scotland reports provisional flu-related deaths: 17 as the underlying cause and 21 mentioning flu on the death certificate. Those figures compare with peaks of 137 and 171 in the last winter season, predominantly among people over 80.
BBC Scotland News reached out to all 14 health boards and 32 councils to gauge hospital and school impact. Respondents noted pupil absences largely aligned with previous years, though East Lothian reported higher-than-last-year absenteeism. Midlothian cited higher staff absence in schools due to colds and flu. Several boards indicated rising flu activity and implemented precautions such as ward restrictions or mandatory face coverings.
NHS Grampian reported 33 flu patients in hospital across the region after a sharp rise, with flu patients occupying about one in every 35 beds at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. A spokesperson noted roughly 560% more flu in hospital than at the same time last year.
Ayrshire and Arran paused routine hospital visits, with daily reviews planned. Glasgow’s board advised patients with mild to moderate flu symptoms to stay home and avoid A&E. Dumfries and Galloway’s medical director urged people to refrain from visiting hospitals or care facilities if unwell.
Vaccination access issues also surfaced. Community Pharmacy Scotland said demand for private flu vaccines had risen and some pharmacies were out of stock. Some eligible individuals are seeking quicker access at pharmacies, which strains private supplies. The Scottish government maintains there are ample NHS vaccine stocks and says the challenge is the rapid early rise in cases. The vaccine is effective at reducing hospitalisations and limiting illness and transmission, so eligible individuals are encouraged to get vaccinated.
Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman, Jackie Baillie, called the figures concerning and urged the government to boost vaccine uptake, noting 400,000 fewer adults vaccinated now than two years ago, with some children's vaccination programs not yet underway.
People eligible for a flu jab should have received a notification by now—texts, calls, or letters—or can book via NHS Inform.
Main flu symptoms include:
- A sudden high fever
- Breathing difficulties
- Severe chest pain
- Widespread body aches
- Chills and feeling hot or cold
- Extreme fatigue
- Sensitivity of the skin
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
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