Reports of flu on the rise

THE number of people reporting flu-like symptoms to their GP has risen over the past week.

Nearly 650 Lothians residents contacted their doctor last week suspecting they were suffering from either swine or seasonal influenza.

It has prompted a reminder from NHS Lothian that people in the at-risk category - such as asthmatics - should be vaccinated against the illness.

The health board's director of public health and health policy, Dr Alison McCallum, said: "Over the past week we have seen a small increase in the number of people going to their GP with flu-like symptoms.

"This remains at a level we expect for this time of year and NHS Lothian is seeing lower rates than most other Scottish health boards."