iStockAn NHS health board has urged anyone who has displayed signs of illness and is planning on visiting someone in hospital to remain at home.
It comes as emergency hospital admissions for flu increased by 82% and the number of cases almost doubled for the fourth consecutive week.
Public Health Scotland (PHS) figures have shown that the number of people attending their GP for flu-like illnesses increased “steeply” between December 9 and 15.
On December 1, an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting at Dr Gray’s hospital in Elgin resulted in NHS Grampian closing three wards to new admissions.
All but “essential” visiting was also suspended by the health board.
NHS Lanarkshire said it is facing an increase in admissions due to the surge in flu, RSV and Covid cases.
They’ve asked members of the public not to visit those in hospital if displaying cold or flu symptoms or are experiencing symptoms like diarrhoea and or vomiting.
Lesley Thomson, nurse director, said: “We understand that patients in hospital want to see their family and friends. It is extremely important that anyone who is feeling unwell or has been experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting be clear of any symptoms for at least 48 hours before visiting.
“This will help us protect your loved ones and all of the patients, who are already in hospital due to an illness, not to be exposed to other viruses which could make them even more unwell.
“It is important that anyone who is feeling unwell stays at home. People can always phone or FaceTime their loved one and visit when they are symptom free and feeling better.
“Also, those who are well enough to visit can help prevent infection spreading by washing their hands with soap and water when entering the hospital and before they leave the wards rather than just using hand sanitiser.
“Thank you for your co-operation, we appreciate your support.”
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