'Don't visit relatives in hospital if you have flu symptoms' as Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals confirm 29 cases
Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals have confirmed 29 cases of flu – and bosses are urging residents to not visit relatives if they have flu-like symptoms.
This week, Northampton General Hospital (NGH) has seen 14 flu-positive inpatient cases and Kettering General Hospital (KGH) has seen 15.
As this season’s flu bug starts to impact NHS services, bosses at the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire trust are urging people to not visit relatives in hospital, or use the emergency departments, if they have flu symptoms.
UHN’s Associate Director of Infection Prevention & Control Holly Slyne said: “Like many other hospitals across the country we are starting to see the impact of flu and clearly for us we need to do everything we can to protect our patients, many of whom are elderly and more vulnerable to viral illnesses.
“One thing the public can do to support us is not to visit relatives or friends in hospitals if you are unwell with flu-like symptoms right now, or have been unwell in the last 48 hours.
“Also please do not attend our emergency departments with these symptoms as in most cases we will redirect you to community services such as pharmacies to help you relieve your symptoms.”
A spokesman for the trust added: “Emergency departments at Kettering and Northampton general hospitals are always open for people who have serious and life-threatening conditions, but flu is not usually one of them.
“Most viral illnesses - like flu, covid, and other coughs and colds - are usually best treated at home with support from a pharmacist using over the counter medicines.”
Many vulnerable people are already getting their free NHS flu jabs if they are at higher risk. This includes people aged 65 or over, people with certain long-term health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, people who are pregnant, live in a care home, or have a weakened immune system. These can be accessed through GP surgeries and some pharmacists.
Symptoms of Flu, according to the trust
- Sudden high temperature, aching body, feeling tired or exhausted
- Dry cough, a sore throat, headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain, feeling sick and being sick
What to do, according to the trust
- Rest and sleep
- Keep warm
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your urine should be light yellow or clear)
- Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you keep getting worse