NHS Highlands reports significant increase in number of people admitted to hospital with flu
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The number of people admitted to hospital with flu has significantly increased in recent days, NHS Highland has reported.
With cases of flu increasing in the Highland community and across Scotland, the health authority is starting to see that reflected in health and social care settings, leading to an increase in pressure on hospital services.
It is asking people to avoid visiting vulnerable people in hospitals and other health and social care settings if they have flu-like symptoms or are feeling generally under the weather.
In a statement, it says: "We are also strongly advising people to think about whether they really need to come in to visit people in hospital at this time.
"Reducing non-urgent visitor activity in confined spaces such as hospital wards will help to reduce risk to people who are ill as well as wider spread of flu in the community."
Dr Adam Brown, consultant microbiologist with NHS Highland, said: "We are seeing an exceptionally large rise in cases of influenza in the community across Scotland.
"There are also more cases of other respiratory illnesses such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), while Covid-19 is still circulating within our communities.
"These conditions can cause serious ill health, especially among more vulnerable people and we have seen this reflected in admissions to hospital.
"It is vital that we take actions that help control these infections and reduce the risk of spread. This is why we are asking everyone to think carefully before they come into hospital as a visitor.
"We recognise the importance of visiting for both our patients and their loved ones and we want that to continue but, if it can wait we are asking you to think about postponing your visit for the time being."
NHS Highland is also reminding people of other action they should take to help protect themselves and others.
It includes maintaining good hygiene through washing hands and using tissues when people cough or blow their nose.
Good ventilation remains important and people who are vulnerable should try to avoid crowded places.
NHS Highland states: "Mask wearing is only required in some settings, but masks can also be worn elsewhere.
"Vaccination remains the best way to control Covid-19 and flu. We would encourage you to please take up the offer of vaccination if you have not done so already.
"It is also important that if you have symptoms of one of these illnesses you should stay at home and reduce contact with other people, especially those who are old or vulnerable."
Anyone who is unwell and thinks their need is urgent but not an emergency, should call NHS 24 on 111.
People can also go to NHSinform.scot or NHS111 for online advice about their symptoms.
