Ill people urged to stay at home to slow flu wave

Islanders should stay at home and avoid visiting elderly and vulnerable people if they have the flu, officials have urged.

Experts said flu had come early this winter and they predict it could be a particularly nasty season because of a new mutated version of the virus which is circulating.

Public Health Jersey said islanders should avoid going to public places if unwell "to protect others and reduce the risk of spreading infection".

Dr Nicola Brink, Guernsey's director of Public Health, said infection levels were similar to the previous three-year period at present but the island was expected to see cases peak "slightly" after England.

She said: "Information from Health and Social Care indicates that they continue to monitor trends and has agreed there is no current need to introduce the wearing of face coverings or other precautions in hospital settings.

"However, we do continue to remind islanders not to visit vulnerable people at home or in hospital if they have influenza symptoms as it puts them and others at risk of infection."

Dr Brink said islanders should stay home if they were feeling unwell and only go out after symptoms had improved.

"Visiting friends or relatives in hospital while you are unwell puts them and others at risk of infection," she said.

"Good respiratory hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated, also helps prevent transmission of flu and other viruses."

Public Health Jersey said it expected a flu cases to peak two weeks after the UK's current spike and people could prevent the spread by "practising good personal hygiene".

"Regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and cleaning frequently touched surfaces all help limit transmission," it said.

Officials advised those who were eligible to get the flu vaccination "as soon as possible" as it was "the most effective protection against serious illness".

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