1 in 15 beds at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary occupied by flu patients

NHS Grampian says almost one in 15 beds at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary are currently occupied by patients with flu.

The health board said the North East has experienced a sharp rise in the number of patients with flu in recent days, as the numbers are expected to increase even further.

5\8 patients across the region are currently hospitalised with the illness - 42 of those are in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Public health consultant, Mr Chris Littlejohn said there's currently around 260% more patients in hospital with flu than the same time last year.

He said: “We’ve seen a recent, sharp increase in influenza, trending towards what we’d consider a high rate.

“Currently we have the equivalent of around 2.5 wards at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary filled with flu patients.

“We usually see flu numbers peak sometime between early January and mid-February – so there is certainly the potential for the number of people hospitalised, and ill in the community, to grow further in the coming days and weeks.

“We currently have around 260% more patients in hospital with flu, than at the same time last year, when admissions peaked in early January at around 40.

“The last bad year we had for flu was 2018. We’ve already eclipsed the peak of hospital admissions for then, with numbers still rising.

Health board encourages flu vaccines

Mr Littlejohn said that vaccines “really are the first line of defence” but there is more members of the public can do to protect themselves and loved-ones.

“Flu is no joke, if you are eligible for the vaccine, it’s not too late. Our clinics in Aberdeen, Elgin, Stonehaven, Peterhead and Fraserburgh are open for drop-ins, for those who are eligible,” he said.

“We need people to make sure they are looking after themselves and each other, as much as possible.

Warning to stay away from hospitals

Mr Littlejohn has warned people to stay away from hospitals if they are experiencing any symptoms of the flu: “Do not come to any hospital to visit friends or family if you are feeling ill, even if you think ‘it’s just a sniffle’. What is a sniffle to you, might be a life-threatening flu infection to a vulnerable person.

“Practice good hand hygiene, where possible ensure there is ventilation, avoid crowds, and ensure good coughing and sneezing etiquette.

“If you do feel unwell, stay at home and self-isolate until you feel better.

“We need employers to play their part too and not encourage workers to attend when ill.”

For more information on winter vaccines visit nhsinform.scot/winter-vaccines.