ROUTINE visiting to the region’s biggest hospital was being discouraged last week following an outbreak of flu.

Three bays in the Department of Medicine for the Elderly (DME), Ward 10, at the Borders General Hospital were currently closed to admissions on Wednesday as a precaution due to the presence of confirmed Influenza A infection.

The situation was being managed by NHS Borders Infection Prevention and Control Team with support from frontline colleagues.

Anyone who is ill with a flu-like respiratory illness is also advised not to visit patients in the Borders General Hospital at this time until they are well.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine at NHS Borders, Dr Tim Patterson said: “At this time of year there is an increased amount of flu circulating in the community. Having flu is never pleasant but most people make a quick recovery. However, some people are more at risk of complications and for them flu can be very serious. I would encourage people who are entitled to a vaccination, such as older people or those with chronic breathing and heart problems, to make an appointment with their GP to get the vaccination as soon as possible.”