DOCTORS have urged those suffering from flu to only come to Great Western Hospital if their visit is urgent.

It comes as GWH has seen a "high number" of patients arrive at the hospital with flu symptoms.

A spokesman for Great Western Hospital said on Friday night: "Over the last 24 hours, a high number of patients suffering from the seasonal virus have been admitted to hospital. 

"To help control the spread of the infection, visitors who have, or have recently had, flu and who may be coming to hospital to see a friend or relative are being asked to only do so in the most urgent cases."

Figures shared by Public Health England this week appeared to show that Swindon's flu rate was low compared to other areas.

The statistics showed just one outbreak of the virus in a Swindon care home at the end of last year.

However, the government quango said that low numbers could be caused by delays in reporting – with numbers expected to rise over the coming weeks.

In Gloucestershire, 19 flu outbreaks have been recorded at care homes since mid-October.

Carole Cusack, of Wessex Local Medical Committees, which represents Swindon GPs, said: “We’re seeing more cases of flu, but we’re not seeing any more than one or two outbreaks in nursing homes – and not so much in Swindon. We’re not seeing a major problem.”

On Friday, national health chiefs revealed that a rise in the number of cases of so-called “Aussie flu”, a strain of Influenza A that has left thousands needing hospital treatment.

In the past week, 3,750 have been hospitalised with flu across England – an almost three-fold increase on the previous seven days.

Professor Paul Cosford, Public Health England’s medical director, said: “Our data shows that more people are visiting GPs with flu symptoms and we are seeing more people admitted to hospitals with the flu.

“The vaccine is the best defence we have against the spread of flu and it isn’t too late to get vaccinated.”