Winter deaths in Scotland at highest since 1999

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-34581985

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The number of winter deaths in Scotland is at its highest in 15 years, according to new figures.

The National Records of Scotland revealed that 22,011 deaths were registered between December 2014 and March 2015.

This was in contrast with the previous winter, which had the lowest figure on record.

Last winter's numbers were the highest recorded since 1999/2000, when there was a high level of flu activity.

Chief executive of the National Records of Scotland, Tim Ellis, said: "There are always more deaths in the winter in Scotland than in any other season.

"Unfortunately, last winter had an unusually high seasonal increase, when compared with the previous 14 winters.

"The underlying causes of most of the additional deaths include respiratory and circulatory diseases, dementia, and Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other degenerative diseases."

Statisticians said there were 4,060 more deaths during the winter months than the average for the preceding and following four months.

Of these, 1,940 were over 85, and 1,240 were between 75 and 84 years old.

Scotland's chief medical officer, Catherine Calderwood, has urged older people to take up free flu vaccinations this winter.

She said: "While in many cases of winter mortality influenza will not be the main cause of death, it can aggravate underlying long-term conditions, which may have had a significant impact on the sick and elderly last winter.

"This is why it is crucial that those with underlying health conditions, those who are pregnant or are older than 65 receive their free flu vaccination."