Holly Slyne, UHN’s associate director of infection prevention and control, said: “Like many other hospitals across the country we are starting to see the impact of flu and clearly for us we need to do everything we can to protect our patients, many of whom are elderly and more vulnerable to viral illnesses.
“One thing the public can do to support us is not to visit relatives or friends in hospitals if you are unwell with flu-like symptoms right now, or have been unwell in the last 48 hours.
“Also please do not attend our emergency departments with these symptoms as in most cases we will redirect you to community services such as pharmacies to help you relieve your symptoms.”
Vulnerable people, including those aged over 65, pregnant or with certain long-term health conditions, are eligible for a free NHS flu jab and UHN said uptake was “very much encouraged”.
Anyone experiencing the symptoms of flu, external has been advised to rest and sleep, keep warm, take painkillers, drink plenty of water and call NHS 111 or their GP in they begin to feel worse.