Flu season has started early in Scotland, with cases rising

Public Health Scotland (PHS) data shows that 431 new flu-positive cases were reported in the week ending November 9, a 70% increase from the 253 cases recorded the previous week.

The number of hospitalized patients has also nearly doubled, rising from 115 to 218.

These figures come at a time when experts have warned that a new strain of flu is spreading rapidly.

PHS stated that this year's flu season began earlier than in previous years.

In total, 492 positive flu cases were recorded last week (this number includes those who tested positive more than once), resulting in a test positivity rate of 9.6%, up from 5.7% the previous week.

Last week's test positivity rate was also significantly higher than previous flu seasons.

During the same recording week in 2024/25, the test positivity rate was 2.9%, and in 2023/24, it was 1.5%.

The highest test positivity rate (23.5%) was found in children aged five to 14 years. 

Dr Kim Marsh from PHS said: "This year we are seeing a particularly early start to the flu season.

"Through characterisation of the virus, we can also see that we are seeing a H3N2 drifted strain which means it has the mutations to it and that might potentially cause more severe disease.

"We're really keen to monitor the situation closely."

How can I get the flu shot?

In Scotland, the NHS provides the flu vaccine free of charge to those at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.

This includes all children, people aged 65 and over, as well as those aged 18 to 64 with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Those who are not eligible for the NHS flu vaccine are being encouraged to get vaccinated at private pharmacies, where the vaccine is available for a fee.

Vaccination rates remain low among some vulnerable groups.

Additional data from the NHS shows that as of November 9, social care workers had the lowest vaccination rate, with less than 10% vaccinated, while only 20% of adults aged 18 to 64, who may be at risk from the flu, were protected.

Less than half of infants and toddlers, preschoolers, primary schoolchildren, and secondary schoolchildren were also found to have been vaccinated against the virus.