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Recent data indicates a significant reduction in influenza cases across Scotland, with confirmed flu infections declining by more than one-third in the week leading up to December 21. Public Health Scotland (PHS) reported 1,297 laboratory-confirmed flu cases during this period, a substantial drop from 1,994 cases recorded the previous week. Alongside this decrease in infections, provisional statistics also reveal a reduction in flu-related hospital admissions, which fell to 679 from 950 the week before. While these trends offer some optimism, PHS cautions that multiple waves of flu can occur within a single season and encourages continued vigilance to limit transmission, especially during the holiday season.
In addition to the falling case numbers, National Records of Scotland data suggests a slowing rise in deaths attributed to influenza. The week ending December 15 saw 73 flu-related deaths, a slight increase from 67 the prior week, though this follows a much sharper rise in deaths earlier in the season. The flu season began unusually early in Scotland, with a rapid increase in cases observed from mid-November. Health experts had predicted a prolonged and intense flu season due to the emergence of a new, more transmissible flu variant circulating across the UK.
Dr Kim Marsh from PHS noted the encouraging downward trend, stating: “Following an early start to the season, the latest data suggests that flu cases and hospitalisations in Scotland continue to decrease. While each flu season is unique and peaks are not always predictable, we have now seen reassuring declines across a range of age groups and data systems, including reductions in case numbers in younger age groups.” Nonetheless, she emphasized that the season is not yet over, highlighting the possibility of a second wave as different flu strains circulate at different times. At present, influenza A is the predominant strain, but influenza B typically emerges in the early months of the new year, potentially causing another surge in cases.
To help curb the spread of flu, PHS recommends that individuals exhibiting symptoms such as cough or fever take precautions to protect themselves and others. This includes staying home from work and avoiding hospitals and care homes until fully recovered, minimizing contact with vulnerable individuals like babies and the elderly, practicing good respiratory hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, washing hands regularly, and considering wearing face coverings when out in public. Those eligible for flu vaccination who have not yet received it are urged to get vaccinated to better protect themselves during the ongoing season
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