Flu cases steady but islanders told to stay alert

The spread of flu in Jersey "remains steady", but islanders must remain vigilant as people return home, health officials say.

Public Health Jersey said "only a small number of patients currently in hospital with flu" despite a prediction cases in the island could peak two weeks after the UK.

Experts had said flu had come early this winter and they predicted it could be a nasty season because of a new mutated version of the virus which had contributed to a surge in the UK.

Health officials said the Christmas holidays "may have acted as a circuit breaker in some settings" but cases could still rise as people returned to the island following the break.

Ill people have been urged to stay at home to slow the spread of flu and GPs urged people to get vaccinated.

A spokesperson for Public Health Jersey said anecdotal evidence suggested there had been a slight increase in islanders getting the inoculation following the UK peak in December.

They said: "As people return from being off-island, we may see a rise in cases over the coming week or so.

"There is still time for those eligible but unvaccinated to come forward for vaccination either at GP surgeries or pharmacies.

"And, as ever, if someone is unwell, please stay at home until you are feeling better."

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