If you have flu-like symptoms, have been unwell in the past 48 hours, or have been in contact with a person with flu-like symptoms in recent days please do not visit our hospitals.

We are seeing a significant rise in the number of patients presenting with influenza and are asking for your help to minimise the spread of the infection.

Dr Anthony Hemsley, Medical Director – Eastern services said: “If people are suffering from symptoms of flu but are generally fit and healthy, more-often-than-not symptoms can be managed at home by keeping warm, drinking plenty of water, and taking over-the-counter remedies to lower raised temperatures and to treat any aches or pains.”

Flu can be treated at home and advice sought from your local pharmacist.

Dr Karen Davies, Medical Director – Northern services said: “There’s also still time to get your flu jab. Protect yourselves and others from the flu virus – get the flu vaccine. Ask your pharmacist or GP if you’re eligible for the free flu vaccine.”

How to look after yourself if you have flu:

• rest and sleep
• keep warm
• take over-the-counter remedies, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
• drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

To reduce the risk of spreading flu:

• wash your hands often with warm water and soap
• use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
• bin used tissues as quickly as possible.

For more information about flu, see www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/

For more advice on staying well this winter, visit the stay well website.