Rise in flu admissions in Scotland

Medical experts are urging Scots to get vaccinated, after a rise in the number of patients taken to hospital with severe flu-related illnesses.

New figures show 26 people were admitted to intensive care with flu in the past four weeks, compared to five people during the same period in 2014.

The majority of cases had an underlying medical condition.

Maureen Watt, Minister for Public Health, said: “It is important that those who are eligible for the flu vaccination, make an appointment as soon as possible, to protect their health.”

The Scottish Government said over 48 per cent of Scots who suffer from underlying conditions have yet to receive a free flu vaccine, 54 per cent of pregnant women are also still not vaccinated.

Flu can cause severe health complications

Watt continued: “Flu is a serious illness and each year the winter months present an increase in the number of cases requiring hospital treatment. Flu can cause severe health complications and the best way to protect yourself and help prevent spread of the virus is to get vaccinated.

“It only takes a few minutes and even if you were immunised against flu last winter it is important to receive the vaccine again, as the viruses change each season."

More than two million Scots are being offered the flu vaccine as part of the programme, to ensure people who need it most receive free protection.

Those with chronic conditions such as emphysema, asthma, heart problems, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney or liver disease, and women who are pregnant, can be hit harder by flu and suffer more serious complications, even if they are generally fit and healthy.