'Flu isolation areas' remain at Nuneaton's hospital as urgent cold weather plea issued
'Flu isolation areas' remain at Nuneaton's hospital as it issues an urgent cold weather plea to the community. For the third week running, the George Eliot Hospital has specially designated areas for those with flu in a bid to prevent the spread of the viral infection.
Currently there are 24 reported cases of flu at the hospital and while these numbers are lower than those reported last week, the 'Eliot is keen not to see them spike again.
It is for this reason that bosses are urging those who are eligible to ensure that they have their flu jab so that they do not become the next patient that needs to be admitted. The hospital is also keen to appeal to the community to brace itself for cold weather over the coming days.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has put an amber cold weather health alert in place until Sunday (January 12). This is due to the forecast fall in temperatures.
The elderly and vulnerable are most at risk of what, at some points, will be -4C temperatures. Hospitals themselves are also at risk, the UKSHA has said, as the cold weather could lead to even more people needing care.
"We encourage people to look out for others as temperature drops," a George Eliot Hospital spokesperson said. "Cold weather can have serious consequences for your health.
"Older people, young children and those with certain long-term health conditions may be particularly at risk. Guidance on how to stay safe during cold weather is available on the UK Health Security Agency website."
The advice on how to keep 'warm and well' can be found on the website here