Help prevent flu this winter

Advice issued after‘exceptional demand’

Residents across Perth and Kinross are being urged to stay away from hospitals and GP surgeries if they have the flu.

NHS Tayside say they have been experiencing “exceptional demand” over the past few days due to an increase in patients being admitted to hospital with flu-like symptoms.

Now. the health board is urging those who have been hit with the flu virus to stay away from visiting relatives and friends in hospital until they are feeling better.

Dr Anne Marie Karcher, lead infection prevention and control doctor at NHS Tayside, said: “There are many bugs and viruses currently circulating in the community, including flu, and therefore to help reduce the spread of infection, we are urging members of the public to avoid visiting their friends and relatives in hospitals is they are suffering from respiratory illness or flu-like symptoms themselves.

“This will help reduce the spread of illness amongst patients and our staff.”

Dr Karcher added: “The winter period can be challenging due to the high volume of patients requiring care and it is important that everyone has a role to play to help us reduce winter pressures.”

NHS Tayside also want to remind people there is usually no need to see a doctor if they have the flu, as paracetemol and ibuprofen can be taken to reduce a high temperature and relieve any aches.

A spokesperson for the health board said: “Flu is an infectious and common viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes which is why good hand hygiene is important.

“You can catch flu - short for influenza - all year round, but it is especially common in winter, which is why it is also known as ‘seasonal flu.’

“Flu causes a sudden high temperature, headache and general aches and pains, tiredness and a sore throat. You can also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a cough and it can make you feel so exhausted and unwell that you have to stay in bed and rest until you feel better.”

They added: “If you are otherwise fit and healthy, there is usually no need to see a doctor if you have flulike symptoms. The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.”

However, the health board add it may be wise to visit a doctor if you have the flu and you are over the age of 65, are pregnant, have a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease or a neurological disease, or have a weakened immune system.

They add it is also not too late for those in the community classed as ‘at risk’ to receive a free flu vaccine at their GP surgery.

Everyone has a role to play to help us reduce winter pressures