DOCTORS in Devon are urging people who are experiencing flu-like symptoms not to visit the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The RD&E is currently seeing a higher number of people coming to the emergency department than usual, and has seen a particular rise in the number of people attending with the flu.

People are advised not to visit the hospital and to call their relatives instead if they are experiencing flu symptoms, to prevent the virus from spreading.

Director of Public Health Dr Virginia Pearson said: "We would advise people not to visit friends or relatives in hospital if they are feeling unwell themselves - coughs, colds and flu can spread quickly to patients who are already very poorly. We also need to protect our hospital staff from getting ill, especially at this time of year when hospitals are so busy."

Influenza or 'flu' is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Influenza occurs most often in winter, and the local area is currently seeing an increased reporting of flu-like illness. For most people influenza infection is very unpleasant, but for some it can lead to more serious illnesses. It is very important to protect those who are vulnerable to infection. Therefore, to reduce the risk to people already in hospital, please do not visit the hospital if you have any of these symptoms: • Heavy cold • Fever (feeling hot and cold) • Sore throat • Cough • Muscles aches and pains If you have an appointment, and you have any of the above symptoms, please contact the department for further advice.

If you are worried about your symptoms and need advice you can telephone your GP or the NHS advice line on 111.

Dr Simon Kerr, a GP from Ottery St Mary and Vice Chair of the Eastern Locality of Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NEW Devon CCG), said: “We are encouraging people with flu symptoms to visit their GP or pharmacy, or call NHS 111, rather than bringing the virus into the hospital. If you think you may be contagious, stay at home or ring your GP or pharmacy for advice.”

Everyone attending the Emergency Department can expect the same standard of treatment but the public can help us manage the pressures over winter by using the department only for medical emergencies and seeking treatment elsewhere for less urgent complaints and conditions, for example the 111 service, GP, pharmacist or walk-in centre.