NINE people have been admitted to Royal Bolton Hospital's intensive care or high dependency units suffering from flu winter.

New figures show that, from November 1 to December 15, 92 patients at the hospital, including both children and adults, have been diagnosed with confirmed cases of flu.

Many of those have been discharged the same day, but others have needed admission, including nine patients who needed care in the high dependency unit or intensive care unit. There are currently eight patients still in hospital who are being treated for flu.

Last month, parents were warned to take precautions after around 150 children in the borough complained of flu-like symptoms.

Since then, there have been reports of a further 123 children affected by flu-like symptoms.

Richard Catlin, Assistant Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We would advise that for most people who are fit and healthy and don’t fit into one of the risk groups think twice before attending A&E or your GP surgery if you think you have flu.

"For most people, flu symptoms will resolve after five to seven days without treatment – you just need plenty of rest and fluids.”

A Bolton NHS Foundation Trust spokesman added: "Flu can be serious for people with underlying health problems — children and adults with an underlying health condition, particularly long-term heart or lung disease, and children and adults with weakened immune systems.

"The over 65s, pregnant women and carers are also vulnerable to flu. More information on the risk groups for flu is available from NHS Choices or your GP.

"If you fit the criteria and haven’t had your vaccine already this year, then we would encourage you to be vaccinated. This year’s vaccine is proving to be effective against the current strain."

NHS data shows that there have been six flu-related deaths across the country so far this winter.