Royal Bolton Hospital has had to cope with more than 700 flu cases since last Autumn as doctors issue a stark warning on how people can protect themselves.

According to health bosses, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has recorded more than 770 flu cases since October last year, with as many as one in ten adult inpatients testing positive for the virus.

This marks a steep rise on five years earlier, with the NHS under severe pressure all over the country.

Deputy medical director Dr Harni Bharaj said: “In my experience this is one of the busiest winters we have seen in more than a decade as we continue to deal with the after effects of Covid-19 and the impact of flu.

The Bolton News: Royal Bolton's A&E department has also been under severe pressureRoyal Bolton's A&E department has also been under severe pressure (Image: Bolton NHS Foundation Trust)

“We’re seeing more cases and in some instances it is more severe.

“We are doing everything we can to make sure our patients continue to receive the highest standards of care in such difficult circumstances by using tried and tested measures.”

Dr Bharaj added that pressures on A&E were also making things challenging.

He said: “On some days we are seeing 450 attendances to our Emergency Department, meaning we are continuing to experience really high numbers of arrivals, including by ambulance.”

In response, Dr Bharaj and his colleagues have asked people to be sure to take up their flu jabs as well as Covid-19 vaccines.

Respiratory consultant Dr Rizwan Ahmed said: Flu is a very infectious disease which can spread very easily, usually within the first few days of illness.

“If you feel that you are not well or that you have got flu symptoms please try to avoid public places.

"It’s also helpful to avoid meeting up with people who are more vulnerable.

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“You should try and sneeze into a tissue and regularly wash your hands with warm water and soap because the flu germs can stay on your hands and surfaces for up to twenty-four hours.

“One of the most important things we can all do is to get vaccinated against flu if you are eligible. Flu vaccines are very effective, they are safe, they prevent illness and the severity of it.”

People can book in for flu or Covid-19 jabs in the NHS website.