Tag: health and wellbieng

Flu activity continues to increase in Scotland

With case numbers for flu rising sharply this week, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is continuing to encourage those who are eligible to come forward to receive their vaccine. 

New figures published today show that laboratory-confirmed cases of flu more than doubled in the past week, rising from 845 to 1,759.  

Hospital admissions due to flu also increased by 70% in the past week, rising from 426 the previous week to 724. 

Those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk of serious flu illness, hospitalisation, and in some cases, death. This is why the flu vaccination programme is focussed on protecting those who are most vulnerable to becoming seriously ill with flu. 

Early evidence from UKHSA shows that this year’s vaccine does a good job preventing severe disease, as measured by hospital admissions due to flu for the strains currently circulating in the UK.

Children are around 70-75% less likely to attend or be admitted to hospital with flu if vaccinated, and adults are around 30-40% less likely to attend or be admitted.  

Dr Kim Marsh, Viral Respiratory Pathogens lead at Public Health Scotland, explains:  “Flu can seriously disrupt anyone’s life but, for some people, flu hits harder. With case numbers of flu having risen again in the past week, we’re continuing to encourage those who are eligible to come forward to receive their flu vaccine. Vaccination remains the best way to help protect yourself against serious illness from flu.  

“NHS Boards in Scotland are working at pace to deliver the winter vaccination programme and look forward to welcoming you for your appointment. 

“For more information regarding eligibility and to book, or rearrange, your appointment visit nhsinform.scot/flu” 

Pregnant women are strongly recommended to take up the vaccines, which will give them and their babies the best possible protection against serious illness from the viruses. 

Everyone who works in the NHS and all frontline social care workers are also eligible for the flu vaccine this winter. 

The flu vaccine is also being offered to all children from 2 years old to the end of secondary school, as well as children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu.  

Look out for your invitation or book your appointment 

Most people who are eligible for this year’s vaccination will now have received their invitations by text, email or post, in a white envelope with clear NHS Scotland branding.  

Pregnant women can book an appointment online or via the national vaccination helpline, with further information available from midwives. 

Those who work in the NHS and frontline social care workers may not receive an invitation and are encouraged to check local arrangements for eligible staff and book their appointment now. 

Parents and carers should have received appointment letters by post, or consent forms in their child’s school bag, and are encouraged to take up the flu vaccine offer this winter.  

What to do if you suspect you have flu 

To prevent the spread of flu, we continue to recommend regular handwashing and advise people with symptoms of respiratory illness to stay off work or school and away from hospitals until you’re feeling better. Advice on how to recognise and manage flu-like symptoms is available at NHS Inform. 

Additional information 

To find out if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine this year visit www.nhsinform.scot/flu 

For more information about the child flu programme visit www.nhsinform.scot/childflu 

Some people may also be eligible for other vaccines, including RSV and COVID-19 this year. More information about the coronavirus vaccine, including who is eligible, is available on www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine 

More information about the RSV vaccine is also available on NHS Inform RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform and RSV vaccine during pregnancy | NHS inform 

More information about the early start to this year’s flu season and the influenza A(H3N2) strain which is currently circulating is available in our recent blog With this year’s flu season starting early, find out how to stay protected – Our blog – Public Health Scotland  

More information on UKHSA’s study is available on their website: Flu vaccine providing important protection despite new subclade – GOV.UK 

Spire Edinburgh Hospitals introduce advanced new treatment to patients with enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

First hospitals in Scotland to offer minimally invasive aquablation therapy with significant reduction of side effects typically associated with alternative BPH treatment

Spire Edinburgh Hospitals have introduced aquablation therapy for the treatment of enlarged prostates or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Spire Edinburgh Hospitals have already treated seven patients with aquablation therapy and are currently the only hospitals in Scotland to offer this.

Aquablation therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for BPH that combines imaging and robotic technology to guide a heat-free waterjet for precise tissue removal. This provides long-lasting relief to benign prostatic hyperplasia1 – one of the most common health complications faced by men over the age of 50.

One of the most important benefits of aquablation therapy over alternative BPH treatments, is that it will improve the preservation of continence and sexual function for patients. Advanced software and robotics allows the surgeon to accurately target diseased tissue before using a heat-free water jet to remove only the targeted tissue.

The most common complications with alternative surgical solutions are continence, and issues with erections and ejaculation.

Clinical studies have shown preserved continence and erection function in all men who have received aquablation therapy, while 90% retained their ejaculatory function, delivering a considerable reduction and low incidence of irreversible complications.

Patients can also expect long-lasting relief from BPH symptoms – studies have again indicated significant improvements for up to five years following the procedure.

The recovery process for aquablation therapy is also more comfortable, with patients being able to leave the hospital without a catheter.

Professor Alan McNeill, Consultant Urologist at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals, said: “‘I am delighted to be involved in bringing ablation therapy to patients in Scotland at Spire Murrayfield Hospital.

“Aquablation adds to the options available for patients to choose, and I believe offers advantages in particular to men with larger prostates, and in those who wish to preserve ejaculatory function.”