A CANCER patient has died and nine others are being treated in isolation after testing positive for a respiratory virus.

Doctors at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre have urged the public to avoid visiting patients if they are suffering cold or flu symptoms after 15 patients tested positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

RSV is a very common virus that leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children.

However the impact on patients being treated for cancer can be very serious because their immune system is compromised and can lead to pneumonia.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the patient who died had already been giving cause for concern.

Ten patients are still receiving treatment for RSV across the centre's two wards with nine being treated in isolation but none are giving cause for concern. A further four have been discharged.

Family and friends are being urged not to visit until at least 48 hours after cold or flu symptoms have ended.

The board said patients showing symptoms do take new admissions as a precautionary measure and the wards are closely monitored with strict infection control measures in place.

Dr Teresa Inkster, Consultant Microbiologist and Infection Control Doctor, said: "If you have any cold or flu like symptoms, please do not visit loved ones in the Beatson until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have cleared up.

“I’d also urge all visitors are being urged to remember the importance of hand hygiene when entering and leaving hospital premises.”

Dr Inkster also expressed her sympathies for the family of the patient who has died.

She added: “Nine patients are recovering in isolation and in line with infection control procedures, but none are giving any cause for concern as a result of the RSV.

“The other four patients have already been discharged home.

“All appropriate infection control measures are in place.”