As the NHS continues to be hit hard by the superflu ravaging the UK, some hospitals are now bringing prime pandemic measures back in to stop the spread of the illness
COVID-style measures are coming back to hospitals to deal with the superflu
Hospitals across the UK are bringing back protective measures to stop the spread of the superflu this Christmas. Masks will once again need to be warn in and around hospitals to try and curb infection rates.
The NHS has been slammed hard by the winter flu this year, as hospitals are having to treat people in places such as cupboards due to the number of patients showing up. That, coupled with ever spiralling numbers of those with the flu, mean that doctors are racing to keep the virus under control.
As a result, many hospitals up and down the country have reintroduced strict pandemic-style measures to stop the flu from spreading even further. This now means that COVID-like preventative measures are now in place when visiting hospital.
Face masks are sent to be brought back to hospitals across the UK to stop the spread of the superflu
Flu cases are continuing to rise in local communities, with the latest figures showing at least 3,000 people were in hospital with the flu in the past. In an effort to try and reduce the number of cases, masks will need to be worn in the hospital at all times, and visitors will be asked to sanitise hands where possible.
Masks can be collected when entering a “clinical area” of the hospital. This can mean a ward or a treatment room, but patients and visitors alike are being urged to wear one just in case they are contagious and asymptomatic.
Evonne Hunt, Chief Nursing Officer at the Royal Medway Hospital in Kent, said the measures were necessary to ensure that more do not get sick. She admitted, however, that the NHS will be trying to help people where possible, but cases across the UK are still set to rise even further.
NHS officials have said the measures are necessary to try and contain the virus where it can
“Cases of flu are very high for this time of year and there is no peak in sight yet,” Hunt explained. “We’re putting in place this extra precaution to help us protect our patients, visitors and staff.
“Flu is not just a bad cold; it can cause serious and life-threatening illness for the most vulnerable. This places significant strain on our patients and already very busy services — that’s why it is so important to get the flu vaccine.”
Flu vaccines are incredibly easy to obtain and are free for those who are over 65 and are classed as being vulnerable, such as having long-term health conditions or disabilities. Evonne added that the vaccine can provide the best protection from the flu — especially ahead of one of the most important times of the year.
If you are planning to go to visit a friend in hospital, make sure you don’t have the flu before showing (stock)
She added that should you be unlucky enough to catch the flu over the course of the winter, you will thankfully have milder symptoms thanks to the vaccine. It also means the risk of having to go to the hospital is slashed greatly.
“If you are feeling unwell, please do not visit friends or family in hospital; stay at home until you are fully recovered,” Evonne warned. This is essential to protect our patients who may be at high risk from flu and other winter viruses.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.