A sharp rise in influenza cases across Scotland has overwhelmed hospitals and GP practices, according to Public Health Scotland (PHS). The surge highlights the vulnerability of the healthcare system during winter months.
A surge in flu cases across Scotland has placed health services in the country under acute pressure, Public Health Scotland (PHS) has warned. Data from PHS showed 1,163 people were hospitalised due to the virus in the past week - an increase of 65% on the previous seven days, when the total was 705. The number of people consulting their GP about the illness reached the highest level recorded in seven years - since the winter of 2017/2018.
The public health agency warned: 'There are early indications that high levels of circulating flu are contributing to acute pressure on the health and care system, including an increase in GP consultations and hospitalisations.' In total there were 2,752 cases of flu confirmed across all age groups in Scotland - a 63% jump from 1,696 the previous week.that among care homes in the country a 'substantial number' had found influenza circulating, but residents were confirmed as having taken the flu vaccine to combat it.For intensive care units, the flu had caused 'relatively little pressure' but PHS noted there was one case of a pregnant woman admitted to ICU due to influenza in the most recent reporting. Over two thirds of people under the age of 65 but with underlying health conditions have still not been vaccinated against flu,Dr Nicholas Phin, the director of public health science at PHS, said the current levels were 'a concern'. He said: 'Although we always expect to see increases in flu in winter, currently we are seeing particularly high levels of the virus circulating. 'This is a concern, as flu can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, and even death, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.'During this time of increased socialising, we urge everyone to take preventive measures to reduce flu, and other respiratory infections, being spread to other
Flu Scotland Health Services Surges Hospitalizations
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Flu Cases Surge in Scotland, Hospitals Struggle to CopeFlu cases are on the rise in Scotland, with Grampian's biggest hospital, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, reporting a significant increase in patients hospitalized with the illness. Nearly one in 15 beds are currently occupied by flu patients, a number that is expected to grow in the coming weeks. Public health officials are urging people to practice good hygiene and avoid visiting hospitals if they are feeling unwell.
Read more »
Flu cases rising among kids as flu vaccine rates hit a decade-lowErika Edwards is a health and medical news writer and reporter for NBC News and 'TODAY.'
Read more »
Virus Hunters Track Global Threats from Flu to Bird FluDr. Rodgers, a virus hunter, discusses the constant evolution of viruses and the importance of global monitoring. She highlights the risks posed by circulating respiratory viruses like RSV, flu, and COVID-19, especially during the holiday season. Rodgers also emphasizes the need to watch avian influenza (H5N1) as human cases increase, despite remaining mild so far.
Read more »
Scotland's Ambulance Service Faces Critical PressureScotland's ambulance service has reached its highest level of emergency due to overwhelming demand, forcing the Scottish Ambulance Service to activate its highest resource escalation plan. While the service assures it can still attend to critical patients, those with less severe conditions may experience longer wait times. The issue stems from system-wide pressures, including lengthy hospital handover times and a surge in respiratory viruses.
Read more »
Health Report: COVID-19 rates very low in Alaska, while RSV and flu cases riseThe Alaska Department of Health is reporting that cases of Covid-19 have lowered across the state over the past 3 months, while cases of RSV and the flu have steadily risen.
Read more »
Flu, RSV, COVID cases on the rise in North Texas, Children's Health saysFlu cases were up 93% at Children's Health hospitals last week.
Read more »