Hospitals in Glasgow reintroduce face masks after rise in flu cases

NHSGGC is encouraging people to wear masks when visiting hospitals <i>(Image: NHSGCC)</i>
NHSGGC is encouraging people to wear masks when visiting hospitals (Image: NHSGCC)
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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is encouraging people to wear masks when visiting hospitals in the area.

It comes as hospitals across the area, and in the UK in general, see a rise in numbers of patients with symptoms of flu.

The health board has asked all visitors - and all clinical staff - to wear surgical face masks - similar to those used during the COVID pandemic – at all times while on hospital premises.

In addition, NHSGGC is also asking people who have mild to moderate flu-like symptoms not to attend A&E or visit friends and family in hospital.

NHSGGC said doing so will help reduce the spread of the virus and minimise the rise to vulnerable patients.


READ MORE:

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Flu cases in Scotland jump by 45 per cent in a week


A NHSGGC spokesperson said: "We will keep this situation under review and we will advise of any changes as soon as we can."

Professor Angela Wallace, Executive Director of Nursing at NHSGGC, said: “Flu season is here, and we want to ensure that you, your loved ones, and those who are the most vulnerable stay protected.

“By wearing a mask when you visit a hospital, or by following our simple suggestions if you are experiencing symptoms, you are doing your bit to help reduce the spread of the virus.”

Public Health Scotland (PHS) statistics released on Thursday showed that laboratory-confirmed influenza cases between November 24 and 30 rose from 845 to 1,759.

Hospital admissions due to influenza also increased 70%, from 426 to 724.

The highest case rates were observed in younger age groups, however about 40% of hospital admissions were people aged 65 and over.

PHS said cases have reached medium activity levels, and this has come two weeks earlier than in previous flu seasons.

NHS Dumfries & Galloway and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde increased from medium to high activity level, while NHS Shetland and NHS Tayside increased from low to high.

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