People with heart conditions have been urged to get their flu vaccination as early as possible this winter.
The call comes after statistics revealed almost a third of people treated in hospital with flu last winter had a heart condition, with the figure rising to half of those aged 45 or over.
Heart conditions put people at greater risk of becoming more seriously ill, with evidence showing heart attacks happen more often during or immediately after having an acute, inflammatory illness such as flu.
This year, the free flu vaccine will be offered to more than 1.8 million people in Scotland.
Those with heart disease, or conditions such as diabetes, asthma and bronchitis, are being encouraged to make an appointment with their GP practice.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Scotland Dr Gregor Smith said: "The figures from last year's flu season highlight how vulnerable those with heart conditions can be to flu, and how hard it can hit.
"The vaccine provides the best defence, and getting it early is vital, particularly as there is the potential for this year's flu season to be serious.
"We want to ensure more Scots than ever before are protected from flu. I'd encourage those eligible to make their flu vaccination a priority and book an appointment with their GP practice today."
Maureen Talbot, of the British Heart Foundation, said: "Previous analysis has shown that people with long-term conditions, which includes cardiovascular disease, are approximately 11 times more likely to die if they develop flu compared to healthy individuals.
"We urge all heart patients in Scotland to contact their GP to get their free flu vaccine this winter and avoid putting your health and life at risk."
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