The number of reported flu cases has risen across Scotland

The Scottish Centre for Infections and Evironmental Health (SCIEH) said it was not worried by the increase.

Statistics show the number of flu cases rose from 56 per 100,000 people in the week ending 2 November to 99 last week.

A SCIEH spokeswoman said it expected the number of flu cases reported by doctors to peak in four weeks' time.

Borders increase

The deaths of three children in Scotland in the past two months from a Fujian-like strain of the illness raised fears that a larger than normal outbreak could be possible.

In some areas of the Borders, the flu rate has climbed to 400 per 100,000.

An outbreak would be considered an epidemic if the national level exceeds 1,000.

A SCIEH spokeswoman said: "There have been big increases in rates in southern parts of Scotland and the national rate has nearly doubled in the last week.

"But the situation is a long way off from being an epidemic. It is what we would expect at this time of year."

Ninewells Hospital in Dundee was forced to cancel operations and diagnostic procedures on Wednesday because of the high number of flu admissions.