Public health leads urge public support following the continued surge in winter illnesses
NHS and public health leaders across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire are urging everyone to take a few small steps to help prevent the spread of winter illnesses following a sharp increase in the number of people being admitted to hospital with flu over recent weeks.
Monitoring from the UK Health Security Agency showed flu and RSV are both circulating at medium levels with local data showing that 96 local hospital beds are currently occupied by people with flu and further community hospital beds also occupied by people with flu.
Dr Joanne Medhurst, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said:
“We are seeing a significant rise in flu cases locally, and this is now translating into more people needing hospital care. Flu can be extremely serious, particularly for older people, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions.
“Getting vaccinated is the best line of defence, but by taking a few simple steps we can all play a big role in reducing the spread of infections. By washing hands regularly, catching coughs and sneezes in tissues and knowing when to stay off work or keep children off school, you can help protect yourself and your community this winter.”
Professor Steve Hams, Group Chief Nursing and Improvement Officer at Bristol NHS Group, said:
“Winter pressures are already being felt across our local NHS, and, like many areas across the country, we are seeing a rise in people testing positive for flu in hospitals and communities. We understand this is a challenging time for everyone, and we are grateful to people for the steps they are taking to keep themselves and others well.
“As always, we urge people to attend our emergency departments only for serious injuries or life-threatening emergencies. Most respiratory viruses can be safely managed at home, and local pharmacists can provide advice, treatment, and reassurance. NHS 111 is also available to guide people to the right care.
“We also ask that anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms – even if mild – avoid visiting loved ones in hospital. This helps protect vulnerable patients and eases pressure on already busy services.
“By making these small but important choices, we can reduce the spread of flu and other winter illnesses, ensuring hospital care remains available for those who need it most.”
A joint statement from Christina Gray, Director of Public Health at Bristol City Council; Matt Lenny, Director of Public Health at North Somerset Council; and Sarah Weld, Director of Public Health at South Gloucestershire Council, said:
“Cases of flu are rapidly rising across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire so please help prevent the spread through practising good hygiene (such as regular hand washing, using a tissue when you cough or sneeze) and by people, including children, staying at home when they are unwell. This is particularly important as the days get colder, and people are gathering together indoors more which can spread viruses and respiratory infections more easily.
“If you are in one of the priority groups for flu vaccinations such as people in a clinical risk group, if you are pregnant, a carer or over 65, having the vaccine will provide you with the most protection against serious illness. If you are eligible, book your free NHS vaccination online today. It is safe and it will make a difference to both you and the people around you.”
Pesë hapa të thjeshtë për të reduktuar përhapjen e sëmundjeve dimërore
- Nëse jeni të kualifikuar, pranoni ofertën për një Vaksinim falas kundër gripit nga NHS.
- Lani duart tuaja rregullisht për 15-20 sekonda me sapun dhe ujë.
- Mbuloni gojën dhe hundën me një pecetë kur kolliteni dhe teshtini, hidheni pecetën në kosh dhe lani duart.
- Lejoni ajër të freskët kur të mundni. Edhe hapja e dritareve për një kohë të shkurtër mund të ndihmojë në largimin e ajrit të ndotur që përmban grimca virusi dhe të parandalojë përhapjen e sëmundjeve.
- Tempting as it is to head out or go into the office for work, consider staying at home if you’re feeling unwell – to give yourself time to recover and to prevent passing on germs. The Department for Education also provide a useful guide on when to keep children home from school.
Free flu vaccinations are still available across many local pharmacies in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. They can also be given at local GP practices and walk-in clinics.
Find out more information about flu vaccine eligibility and local walk-in clinics.