How is your hospital impacted by flu as latest stats show cases falling?

Flu cases have fallen across Scotland, dropping 20% in the week to 14 December, official health figures show.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) data shows laboratory-confirmed cases fell from 2,410 to 1,918 cases, with hospitalisations also decreasing during the same period.

There were 912 flu-related hospital admissions, down from 1,039 in the previous week - a 12% drop.

However, deaths with flu listed as an underlying cause more than doubled in the latest reporting week.

PHS said Scotland may now have past the peak but warned that there can be more than one wave of flu in a season and urged those eligible to still get a vaccine.

Scotland's flu season started earlier than usual, with a sharp rise in mid-November.

Experts warned at the start of November a new variant of flu was spreading more easily across the UK and as a result there would be a long, drawn-out flu season.

Dr Kim Marsh, Viral Respiratory Pathogens lead at Public Health Scotland, said: "While each flu season is unique and peaks are not always predictable, we have now seen reassuring declines across a range of demographics and systems, including reductions in case numbers and activity levels in younger age groups.

"It is worth noting that although we may have passed this peak, in some flu seasons there can be more than one wave of flu because different types of flu circulate at different times.

"Because of this, there's still time to get protected if you're eligible for a flu vaccine this winter."

You can find out how to get vaccinated at nhsinform.scot/flu

PHS said in its latest report that there were no indications that there were any more flu-related deaths than usually expected at this point but there are delays to reporting.

However, additional figures published by the National Records of Scotland shows the number of deaths with flu as an underlying cause have recently increased.

In the week to 14 December, 67 deaths registered had flu as an underlying cause, more than double the number recorded in the previous week when 30 deaths were registered.

It's early days, but today's data does suggest we may be over the worst of the flu in Scotland this year.

Cases started to rise steeply in November but last week a more gradual climb, and now the first data showing both confirmed cases of flu and hospital admissions are in decline.

However, it is likely that the number of flu deaths will continue to increase for a few weeks.

Experts say there are many complicated factors that might explain why Scotland is ahead of other parts of the UK this year.

It could be down to the vaccination programme starting in mid-September, or possibly some acquired immunity from previous outbreaks, or even residual vaccine immunity.

Of course, Christmas will mean more travelling and mixing and so there is a possibility of some sort of second wave, but they are hopeful the trend will continue and numbers will continue to fall.

The flu vaccine is recommended as the best form of protection against the virus and is recommended for people who are at a higher risk of becoming seriously unwell from the flu.

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

People not eligible for an NHS flu jab are being encouraged to get one privately from pharmacies, where they are available at a charge. These usually cost around £18 to £20.