An NHS doctor has reminded people it’s not too late to get a flu jab as pressure grows on Humber area hospitals amid a rise in cases.
Around two thirds of people with flu in hospitals across northern Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire are aged over 65, one of the groups identified as most ‘at risk’ from the virus.
With fears that cases could spike as children return to school following the Christmas break, the National Medical Director of NHS England, Professor Sir Stephen Powis has warned that the NHS could be on course for one of its worst ever winters.
Meanwhile, Dr Nick Easom, Consultant in Infectious Disease at NHS Humber Health Partnership, has explained the strain hospitals in our region are facing this winter. He said: “We continue to see a steady stream of patients being admitted to hospital with flu or flu-like symptoms, and this is testing our ability to safely admit, treat and discharge patients.
“While most healthy people can see off the worst of the virus in a week or so, it can potentially be much more serious in older people, and those who are already ill or more vulnerable to infection.
“For this reason, we are working to ensure patients across all our hospitals in the Humber region are protected as far as possible, and that those patients who have flu, or go on to test positive for flu, are isolated to reduce the risk of the virus spreading further.
Dr Nick Easom, Consultant in Infectious Disease at NHS Humber Health Partnership
(Image: NHS Humber Health)
“At such a busy time of year, when beds are already in high demand, creating additional space and the process of deep cleaning to reopen beds does cause additional pressure which people may not be aware of. Currently we have the equivalent of almost two full wards dedicated to managing patients with flu across Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill, and more than a full ward at Diana Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby too.
“Patients and visitors may already have noticed our staff wearing face masks once again to protect themselves and the people they’re caring for, but there is plenty that other people can to do reduce their own risk of infection.”
Dr Easom has also stressed the importance of getting a flu jab, saying: “It’s not too late to get the flu jab, and it can still offer important protection for those most at risk from the virus. GP surgeries are offering the vaccine to eligible patients right through until March, so if you’ve been invited but not yet taken up the offer of a flu jab, please do so as soon as possible.
“If you have flu-like symptoms and need medical advice, please contact NHS111 in the first instance rather than coming to hospital as this risks spreading infection to others, and if you do need to visit us for any reason, please be sure to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, and consider wearing a facemask if you’re able to do so.”
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