Maggie Arnold, Director of Nursing at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“There are a lot of coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms in the community at the moment. People are also suffering from the sickness and diarrhoea bug (Norovirus) which is making them feel unwell.

“These illnesses are easy to pass on particularly in close settings such as hospitals, schools and offices. In more vulnerable people, these illnesses are not so easily fought off which leads to increased pressures at our hospitals and on the ambulance service.

“Within hospital settings measures are put in place to help reduce the risk of spreading germs. This includes closing to new admissions and placing restrictions on visiting when it is necessary to do so.

“People can assist NHS staff in controlling the spread of both diarrhoea & vomiting illness and flu-like illnesses by staying at home and seeking advice by phone. If you were planning to visit a friend or relative in hospital and have any symptoms we would ask to wait until are symptom free and phone the ward to find out about their progress.

“Patients can get advice on how to cope with diarrhoea and vomiting or colds and flu symptoms through NHS Direct’s online health and symptom checkers available at www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect. NHS Direct can also be contacted on 0845 46 47.”

Dr Shona Arora, Director of Public Health, said:

“Winter is always a time when the pressures on the NHS in Gloucestershire increase.

“Throughout the winter months Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will treat a number of vulnerable patients who are suffering from complications linked to flu. This is to be expected and should not cause wider concern. Current demand for critical care beds is typical for this time of year.

“We are continuing to monitor the demand for services across the county and are working closely with GP practices, the Hospitals Trust and the Ambulance Service to ensure we have the capacity to meet the needs of patients.

"The figures we are seeing locally are in keeping with what we would expect during a winter flu season.

“It is natural to want to see a healthcare worker when you are ill but we would ask that anyone with flu-like symptoms stay at home and do not turn up in person at an Accident & Emergency, a Minor Injury Unit or the GP Out of Hours Primary Care Centres or pharmacies.

“If you require over the counter medication or need to collect prescriptions it is better that a family member, friend or neighbour, who is not displaying symptoms, should collect these on your behalf. Repeat prescriptions should be collected during normal surgery hours to avoid putting additional pressure on the GP Out of Hours Service.

The Chief Medical Officer has issued clear advice to get the seasonal flu jab if you are in a vulnerable group, particularly pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions, as well as those aged 65 and over.”

“By following these simple guidelines we can help reduce the spread of germs in the community and within healthcare settings where there are more vulnerable people and ensure that A&E remains for emergency patients and those with more critical conditions.”

Dr Arora is advising people to adopt good hygiene practice as normal:

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue whenever possible

Dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully – bag and bin them

Maintain good hygiene – washing hands frequently with soap and water

Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product

Stay at home when you are sick – if you have a cough and a fever, it is best to rest at home, take medicines to relieve the symptoms and drink plenty of fluids. This will speed your recovery and help prevent the spread of infection.