The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is introducing visiting restrictions this week as the flu virus is circulating widely in the community. One ward at the hospital is currently closed to new admissions as a precaution and there have been confirmed cases of patients with the virus who have come into hospital during the last few days.

Frances Bolger, Acting Director of Nursing at NNUH, says: “We are restricting visiting as a precaution as it is that time of year when we see flu circulating widely in the community. We are asking people not to visit the hospital unless absolutely necessary and not to bring in children aged under 12 years. It is also important not to visit the hospital if you have any respiratory illness including coughs, colds and flu or have been in close contact with someone who has over the previous three days. Washing your hands with warm water and soap is also essential for all visitors.

“Our advice to the public is to ensure you are following hygiene guidelines, washing hands regularly with warm soapy water or  hand santisers. To reduce the risk of spreading flu it is also important to catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue and dispose of these appropriately.”