The Leeds NHS Trust has issued a warning over a rise in people reporting "flu-like" symptoms attending A&E.
According to Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, they currently have a lot of patients heading to A&E with the "flu-like" symptoms. This is putting "significant pressure" on the service and now the Trust is urging patients to call 111 first.
They have said that while flu can make you feel "very poorly", there are a few things you can do at home to treat the symptoms.
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These are:
- rest, sleep and staying warm
- taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature or treat aches
- drink plenty of water.
The Trust has also said you should check NHS 111 online fpr advice or you can call NHS 111 if you are unable to access the site online.
Over the Christmas period, the Trust said it was experiencing the highest ever level of demand Dr Sarah Forbes, Medical Director at Leeds office of NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, speaking on behalf of the Leeds Health and Care Partnership said: "It is more important than ever that people across the city take the steps they can to keep themselves well and protect those they know who are frail.
"I would advise that we take these six simple steps together to overcome the challenges we are facing:
"Regardless of pressures, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care (when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk) continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases
"Save time if you have a minor injury or illness - A&E is busier than usual so, unless it is a life threatening or emergency case (when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk), you are likely to experience a long wait. It may be quicker for you to go to an Urgent treatment centre or call 111 / visit NHS111 online It’s free and they can give you urgent advice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
"If your GP or hospital has not contacted you, please attend your appointments as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled.
"All residents of Leeds and NHS workers can play a part to protect ourselves and those around us. If you have Covid or flu symptoms avoid mixing with others, particularly those who are elderly or frail. Check the local service information and self-care tips available on our ‘Together We Can’ website. The site includes information on how to access your GP and when to visit the pharmacy: www.togetherwe-can.com
"If you have a friend or relative in hospital and you are able to support them with discharge transport or on their return home, please let the ward know this
"Vaccines are the best way to protect everyone this winter - please have all your Covid jabs and your flu jab if you’re eligible."
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