NHS Lothian officials have issued urgent advice to locals after one of the region's hospitals hit full capacity last week.
Health bosses had spoken out on Friday after it was confirmed that St John's Hospital in Livingston was full due to surges in the number of flu and norovirus cases.
Speaking out, the health board had urged the public to take extra precautions to avoid aiding the spread of the viruses, alongside covid and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
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Confirming that hospitals and GP practices across Edinburgh and the Lothians are facing "uncharted" challenges, people were advised to stay at home if they are feeling unwell, or wear a face covering in certain situations, reports the West Lothian Courier.
Calum Campbell, chief executive, NHS Lothian, said the sector as a whole was already experiencing significant pressures because of an increase in emergency patients and large numbers of delayed discharge patients, before this latest increase in infection rates.
He added: “Our teams across the health and social care system are facing sustained and relentless challenge. The system is under horrendous pressure and the challenges our teams are facing are uncharted.
“We are experiencing more cases of infection – flu, covid and RSV, as well as norovirus – than ever before.
“In order to maintain our patient flow through the hospital and retain beds for the most urgent of cases, we need to support people to go home quicker after their treatment and reduce any preventable admissions. That is where the public can help.
“Please take sensible precautions to prevent infection, especially if you have underlying health conditions or plan to be with those that do”
Last week, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, St John’s Hospital, the Western General Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People were all at full capacity.
Dona Milne, director of public health and health policy, NHS Lothian, urged people to help reduce the spread of infections to protect themselves and the most vulnerable in their communities.
She said: “Although they can be mild infections for many, RSV and Flu can be extremely serious for some people causing them to require urgent hospital treatment. We have now reached extraordinary levels of flu in Scotland that we haven’t seen for many years.”
“We are asking anyone who has cold or flu like symptoms to help limit the spread of infection and reduce the chances of passing it to someone who will become very unwell.
“Stay at home if you feel unwell. And if you do have to go out, please wear a mask. People should also remember to wash their hands, and cough or sneeze into a tissue and bin it.”
Anyone who has cold type symptoms, such as a runny nose or mild cough, or who has a sore throat without a temperature and can eat and drink, is likely to have a viral illness and does not need to contact their GP. They should drink plenty of fluids and rest and get additional help and advice from NHS Inform or their local pharmacy.
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