Early and ‘unusually high' influenza activity reported in Scotland

The UK could be facing its worst flu season in recent years and NHS Western Isles is strongly encouraging anyone eligible to get the flu vaccine when invited.

Early and unusually high influenza activity has been reported in Scotland, especially among school-age children, aged between 5-14 years.

Meanwhile, data from Public Health Scotland is already showing an increase in hospital admissions in Scotland, reflecting an earlier increase in influenza activity.

Every year in Scotland, thousands of people are hospitalised with flu. It can be serious and life threatening and getting vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself.

Recent data from Australia, which has experienced its most significant flu outbreak in seven years, suggests that the UK may encounter similar levels of infection this winter, meaning that our NHS services could be facing increased pressures this winter season, and individuals, particularly those with certain underlying conditions, could become very unwell. 

Unlike the common cold, flu hits fast and hard. It’s caused by a different group of viruses and can leave you feeling wiped out for days, or even weeks. And while you can catch flu at any point, it is more common in the winter months.

The vaccine is your best protection against flu. If you do get flu and have been vaccinated, the symptoms are likely to be milder and not last as long. This will reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious flu illness.

The flu vaccine doesn’t just protect you from flu, it also helps to reduce the spread of flu and may protect those around you from getting ill. This is especially important for vulnerable people who may not be able to fight flu off as easily.

Look out for your appointment letter in the post if you are:

• aged 65 and over
• aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition
• pregnant
• living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
• living with someone who has a weakened immune system
• an unpaid or young carer
• a frontline health or social care worker
• a non-frontline NHS worker
• a poultry worker or bird handler
• an asylum seeker living in a home office hotel or B&B accommodation
• experiencing homelessness or substance misuse
• living in a Scottish prison.

If you have missed your allocated appointment, please contact the vaccination team by telephoning 01851 448567 or emailing wi.vaccination@nhs.scot to rearrange. You should also contact the vaccination team if you are unable to make your allocated appointment.