Eligible adults are being urged to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination.
Latest figures from Health Protection Scotland show just over 41% of those aged under 65, who are considered ‘at risk’, have had their flu jab this winter – but cases of flu have more than doubled compared to the same time last year.
The flu virus can make even healthy people very unwell and puts extra pressure on the NHS at what is already a very busy time of year.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “Every year in Scotland, around two thirds of people who get severe flu and need intensive care treatment have a health condition such as chronic lung or heart disease.
“Given that we’ve already seen a large increase in cases of flu this winter, I’d encourage those who are eligible – including those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and healthcare workers – to make getting the vaccination a priority and book an appointment with their GP practice or health board as soon as possible.”
Protecting against flu
9 January 2018