NHS Lothian flu admissions drop for first time in a month as PHS urge vaccine uptake

The figures released this morning saw the number of hospital admissions for patients with flu to NHS Lothian hospitals fall from 103 to 90. The figure is still higher than this time last year - when cases sat at 75.

The overall number of laboratory-confirmed cases recorded in the week also fell to 248 from 218 for the week ending 14 December.

There had been calls for increased mask use at hospitals, however NHS Lothian 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.”

Hospital admissions due to flu also decreased across Scotland from 1,039 the previous week to 912.

Last week as cases rose, Public Health Scotland (PHS) 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.”

Flu cases have come under particular scrutiny across the UK, and in particular in England where cases have risen. There was an 18 per cent increase week on week, with fears that a five-day strike by resident doctors in England could compound pressure on the health service.