Increase in flu cases in local hospitals

Hospitals in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are experiencing an increase in flu cases over the past couple of weeks.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals currently have 51 flu patients, compared to 8 this time last year. The Trust have now introduced mask wearing for staff and the public in all emergency admission areas at King’s Mill Hospital and also in the Urgent Treatment Centre at Newark to try and reduce the spread of flu.

Nottingham University Hospitals Trust have treated 344 patients over the past four weeks compared to 299 last year. The Trust have increased mask wearing in some areas of the hospital including respiratory wards.

Dr Nicola Jay, Deputy Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “The number of children with flu peaked recently and we know the peak for other ages follows. We still have the opportunity to reduce this peak by people having a vaccination against flu. The majority of cases in hospital are older and more vulnerable people where flu can be much more serious and even life-threatening.

“It’s really important to protect yourself and book the flu vaccine if you’re eligible. It’s quick and easy to book the vaccine via the National Booking System and you can choose a pharmacy location convenient to you.”

Dr Simon Roe, Chief Medical Officer at Sherwood Forest Hospitals said: “Flu can make people feel very unwell and for some people it can be very serious. Having the vaccine also lowers the risk of passing it on to others particularly those who are most vulnerable.

“There is still time to get your flu jab. Protect yourselves and others from the flu virus by getting the vaccine. Contact your GP or ask your pharmacist if you are eligible for the free flu vaccine.

“If you do get flu after having the vaccine it is usually milder and you will recover quicker.”

Over 11,500 health and care staff in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have already come forward to receive their own flu vaccine.

The following people are also eligible for the flu vaccine:

• People aged 65 – 74: book via the National Booking System
• At risk people aged 6 months to 65 years: book via the National Booking System
• Pregnant women: via their GP surgery, through their ante-natal appointment at hospital, or at participating pharmacies.
• Healthy school age children (reception to year 11): nasal spray administered at school
• Children aged 2 or 3 years (on 31 August 2025): nasal spray at GP surgery or community pharmacy
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Household contacts of immunosuppressed people: book via the National Booking System
• Carers (those who are eligible for a carer’s allowance, or those who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill): book via the National Booking System.

Bookings are now open on the National Booking System or by phoning 119.

Managing symptoms at home: 

• Rest and sleep
• Keep warm
• Take ibuprofen or paracetamol for fever
• Drink plenty of fluids.

Reducing spread: 

• Stay home if unwell
• Avoid contact with vulnerable people
• Cover coughs/sneezes, wash hands, clean surroundings
• Get eligible vaccinations.

Published on behalf of NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board