Two people have died after contracting swine flu in Scotland over the last week.
Statistics released by Health Protection Scotland revealed 12 people suffering from the deadly H1N1 virus were taken into intensive care over the past seven days.
The two fatalities bring the total number of Scottish victims to four since winter began, while 23 people have required treatment in intensive care.
Since October, 39 people across the UK have died from flu with 36 of those cases involving the swine variant of the disease.
In the last 11 weeks there have been 360 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu, with 237 of these testing positive for swine flu.
Despite the rising death toll the number of people contacting their GP because of flu-like symptoms has only just reached levels doctors expect to see at this time of year.
Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said, “We are seeing the number of people consulting their GP with a flu-like illness starting to increase, but not yet above the levels that would be expected at this time of year.”
She added that the highest rates were amongst those aged under five.
Ms Sturgeon said, “The majority of healthy children experience mild symptoms from flu and current expert advice is that they do not need to be vaccinated.
“Children with an underlying health condition, such as asthma, should get the vaccine.”Increase in vaccinationsNearly half (48.4%) of those under 65 who are eligible for the flu vaccine have received it, while nearly three-quarters (71.5%) of those over 65 have received the jag.
More expectant mothers have come forward to be vaccinated, with 27% of pregnant women who are not in any other risk category for the flu having come forward up from last week’s figure of 19%.
Ms Sturgeon said, “I am pleased to see the number of pregnant women receiving the vaccination has increased dramatically in the last week.
“I would continue to encourage all pregnant women who have not had the jab to come forward for this safe and effective vaccine as uptake needs to be as high as possible to minimise readily preventable illness in both mother and child.
“Unfortunately, we have seen a further two people die due to seasonal flu.
“I continue to urge those eligible to come forward and accept the vaccination. This is the best way to protect yourself against the virus.”
Dr Dean Marshall, chairman of the British Medical Association’s Scottish GP committee, said, “Although recent figures show that the number of people with flu is up from last week, thankfully the number of eligible people receiving the vaccine has also increased.”
He added, “Doctors across Scotland are all working hard to ensure those at high risk are protected by the vaccine.
“My advice for people who have the flu is to stay at home, drink plenty of fluids and rest. Call your surgery or NHS24 if you have any concerns.”
Swine flu killed 69 Scots in 2009.