Health officials have warned Dumfries and Galloway could be in for a “quite extensive” winter flu season.
And they are urging anyone eligible for a vaccine to come forward to get their jab.
Infection prevention and control manager Ross Darley told Monday’s NHS Dumfries and Galloway board meeting they were “starting to see a bit of a rise” in influenza cases, which was impacting facilities across the region.
He added: “Reviewing the data from our Australian colleagues, which is usually a bit of an indicator on where we are going to be on our flu season, it is likely or possible we will see a quite extensive influenza season ahead.
“That is only an indicator, but early stages at this point are concerning that we’re starting to see a bit of an increase early December 2024.”
Director of public health Valerie White said it was important people came forward for their vaccines.
She said: “That can really help protect NHS systems over the winter season if we have a particularly bad flu season.
“Our vaccination programme is progressing well but we could still do with everybody coming forward to take up these vaccinations and that includes staff as well.”
Mr Darley made the remarks during his healthcare associated infection report.
He said there was a “bit of a concern” about the increase in e.coli cases, with a summit planned for later in December.
There were 54 cases in healthcare settings between April and September – up from 39 over the same period in 2023.
Mr Darley also noted a “bit of an increase” in clostridium difficile (c.diff) cases, with 22 recorded over the six month period – a five per cent increase on last year.
However, there were 15 cases of staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SABs) – two fewer than last year.
Mr Darley said there had been “quite a significant reduction” in skin and soft tissue rates.