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Scottish health authorities have issued warnings about an anticipated rise in flu cases in the coming weeks. Health Secretary Neil Gray MSP highlighted that the current trends mirror those seen last year, noting that confirmed flu cases in Scotland doubled in the week ending 30 November, according to data from Public Health Scotland (PHS). In response to the surge, hospitals within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area have mandated face masks for staff and visitors on wards, while some health boards are advising those with flu symptoms to remain at home.
Lab-confirmed flu cases rose sharply from 845 the previous week to 1,759, signaling an earlier than usual start to the flu season by about two weeks. Experts have noted that the dominant strain of the virus underwent more mutations than usual over the summer, which could reduce the vaccine’s efficacy. Nevertheless, the vaccine is expected to provide some protection and help prevent severe illness.
Neil Gray described the increasing number of flu cases as a “worry” and predicted that the figures would continue to climb in the near term. Speaking on BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show, he explained that the pattern appears to be tracking closely with last year’s, which saw a sudden, sharp spike in cases. Currently, the highest infection rates are concentrated in Glasgow, the west of Scotland, and the Grampian health board area, but he warned the virus would likely spread to other parts of the country. Since the 2025 vaccination rollout started, around 1.5 million eligible Scots have received the flu jab, with vaccine uptake reportedly higher among adults this year.
Regarding eligibility for the flu vaccine, Gray stated that there are no plans to expand the groups entitled to receive it, basing decisions on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Currently, free flu jabs are available for everyone over 65, those aged 18 to 65 with underlying health conditions, and children between two and five years old as well as school-age children, who receive the vaccine as a nasal spray. However, people aged 50 to 64 and certain professions, such as teachers and prison officers—who were covered during the Covid pandemic—are no longer eligible through the NHS but can obtain vaccines privately for around £18 to £20. Gray encouraged everyone eligible to get vaccinated and stressed the importance of vaccination among health and social care workers.
Individual health boards continue to decide on mask mandates in their facilities. For example, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has implemented mask-wearing rules to reduce the spread of flu in hospitals. Ayrshire and Arran has temporarily suspended routine hospital visits, with the situation under daily review, while NHS Dumfries and Galloway advises people feeling unwell to avoid visiting healthcare settings. Dr. Emilia Crighton, director of public health at NHS GGC, emphasized the need for people to stay home if unwell, manage symptoms with paracetamol, and seek advice from local pharmacies or NHS 111 before attending health facilities. She described GP surgeries and emergency departments as “busy” with rising hospital admissions and urged sensible measures to prevent further transmission
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