A surge in flu cases across the UK has placed health services under pressure.
Data showed thousands of people were hospitalised due to the virus in the past week.
The number of people consulting their GP about the illness reached record levels.
Public health agencies has warned: “There are early indications that high levels of circulating flu are contributing to acute pressure on the health and care system, including an increase in GP consultations and hospitalisations.”
The number of people with the flu increased across every age group.
The data found, external that among care homes in the country a “substantial number” had found influenza circulating, but residents were confirmed as having taken the flu vaccine to combat it.
For intensive care units, the flu had caused “relatively little pressure”.
Over two thirds of people under the age of 65 but with underlying health conditions have still not been vaccinated against flu, mirroring trends elsewhere.
Health Secretary Neil Gray reiterated the government’s advice on the importance of accessing “the Right Care in the Right Place”.
He said: “It remains incredibly important for everyone to be familiar with the different resources available, including NHS Inform’s online tools, that can help you to get appropriate health advice as quickly as possible.
“People should always dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency.”
