Medical directors are urging anyone who is eligible for their flu vaccine to get protected as soon as possible.
Like many NHS organisations across the region, University Hospitals Tees is seeing large numbers of patients visiting its emergency departments and being admitted to hospital with flu-related illnesses.
The hospital group – a partnership of North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts – has seen up to 60 flu patients across its hospitals at any one time this week.
Diane Monkhouse, medical director for South Tees Hospitals, is asking everyone to do their bit to help protect themselves and prevent the spread, as we head into winter.
She said: “During the winter months, we will all be spending more time indoors or in crowded spaces so viruses will spread at a much quicker rate and if you are elderly, pregnant or have certain health conditions, flu can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.
“Whilst everyone is counting down the days to Christmas our wonderful NHS staff, who are already working immensely hard to provide excellent care for our seriously ill patients, are feeling the pressure, and this week we have seen the number of flu-related admissions increase.
“That’s why I am urging anyone who is eligible and hasn’t already stepped forward to get their flu vaccine, to get booked in as soon as possible as it provides the maximum level of protection against the virus.
“It takes 10 to 14 days for immunity to kick in after vaccination so if you don’t want flu for Christmas you need to make an appointment soon.”
The flu virus can be very dangerous and even life-threatening for some, but many symptoms can be treated without the need to see a doctor or go to hospital.
Deepak Dwarakanath, medical director for North Tees and Hartlepool said: “Our emergency departments are very busy at this time of year so please help us by only using A&E for genuine emergencies.
“If it’s not life-threatening talk to your pharmacist or GP first and use our urgent treatment centres for minor injuries. If you need urgent medical advice or are not sure which service is best for your needs you can get help from 111.nhs.uk or call 111 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Illnesses like the flu can spread quickly, so to help keep everyone safe this winter, people are also encouraged to:
- Stock up their medicine cabinet with things like paracetamol, ibuprofen and rehydration salts and order repeat prescriptions well in advance
- Check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives
- Avoid visiting hospitals if they have sickness, diarrhoea or flu-like conditions until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours
For more information on how to keep safe and access the care you need this winter, visit our winter ready web page.