LONDON — Health authorities in the United Kingdom issued updated guidance on Thursday urging people with respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms to avoid visiting hospitals and care homes, citing an early rise in seasonal influenza activity.
NHS Grampian said individuals experiencing coughs, sneezing, runny noses, or recent diarrhoea and vomiting should postpone visits to healthcare faci
lities to reduce the risk of transmitting infections to vulnerable patients. The advisory was released as part of broader winter pressure measures across the National Health Service.
UK public health officials said influenza cases have been detected earlier than in some previous seasons, prompting hospitals and care providers to reinforce infection prevention protocols. Similar guidance has been circulated across multiple NHS regions as part of routine seasonal planning.
Separately, international health reporting has highlighted monitoring of new influenza strains ahead of the pe
ak winter period. Health agencies said surveillance efforts remain ongoing, with vaccination programmes continuing to be promoted for eligible groups.
The NHS said hospitals and care homes remain open to essential visitors but may apply additional controls during periods of elevated illness. Members of the public were advised to follow local guidance and use official health channels for updates.
No changes to national vaccination eligibility or treatment protocols were announced at the time of publication.
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