3 January 2025

Over the festive period Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust has seen increasing numbers of people attending the emergency department with flu and other respiratory viruses. We need your help to help prevent reduce the spread of infection by:

  • getting vaccinated
  • reducing contact with others
  • washing hands regularly with soap and water.

If you think you have flu or COVID please:

  • stay home until you feel better to help prevent spreading illness
  • rest
  • take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
  • drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
  • keep warm.

Vikki Crickmore gives some more advice in this video: 

 

 

Being prepared for any flu or cold like illnesses can also help, stock up on over-the-counter medicines from a local pharmacy. You can find more information on the NHS website: Flu - NHS

Get vaccinated
One of the best ways to protect yourself and others from getting flu is to get vaccinated. You can search online through the NHS website for a local pharmacy offering flu vaccinations, head to Find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination - NHS. People eligible for a vaccination include anyone aged 65 years and over, and adults over 18 who have severe immunosuppression. Carers and close contacts of people with severe immunosuppression may have the flu vaccination.

Further help
If you think you need medical advice please contact your GP, pharmacist, or visit NHS 111 online or by phone.