NHS Lothian flu admissions rise for fourth week running as PHS urge vaccine uptake

The figures released on Thursday come as cases rose for the fourth week running, with 103 hospital admissions now confirmed for the week ending December 7, 2025 - double that of the same period last year.

Last week the number of laboratory confirmed cases sat at 89.

There have been calls for increased mask use at hospitals, however NHS Lothian have said that they have not currently mandated universal mask use in their wards.

Michelle Carr, chief officer of acute services at NHS Lothian, said: “While universal mask use is not currently mandated, we encourage staff, patients, and visitors to wear masks as a precautionary measure in busy areas where there is a high turnover of patients and in areas where patients are particularly vulnerable to infection.

“Our teams continue to follow national guidance on infection prevention, including standard and transmission-based precautions. This means wearing a mask when caring for patients with a suspected or confirmed respiratory infection or during an outbreak.

“We will keep our approach under review as winter progresses to ensure we respond appropriately to changing circumstances.”

The increases are similar to the story seen across Scotland where there has been a further 24 per cent increase in laboratory-confirmed cases, rising from 1,875 to 2,331 in the past week.

Hospital admissions due to flu also increased more moderately in the last week by around 15 per cent, rising from 860 the previous week to 986.

With cases rising, Public Health Scotland (PHS) has urged the public to take up the offer of flu vaccinations.

Dr Kim Marsh, viral respiratory pathogens lead at Public Health Scotland, said: “PHS’s new vaccine effectiveness results reinforce our message that the flu vaccine offers the best protection against severe disease for those who are eligible, even with the new strain now circulating widely. Vaccination remains the best way to help protect yourself against serious illness from flu and is also important in reducing the spread of flu in the community, helping to keep everyone from missing out on socialising with friends and family over the festive season.

“NHS Boards in Scotland are working hard to deliver the winter vaccination programme and look forward to welcoming you for your appointment. Drop-in clinics are also available in most areas. For more information regarding eligibility and appointment arrangements visit nhsinform.scot/flu.”