'Flu is now at its most virulent so far this winter - and children as young as three months have tested positive here at CHFT.

We had 51 positive tests in the lab in the month of December and already 42 in January - proof that 'flu cases are escalating.

Extra worrying is the numbers of younger people - including babies -  affected by this year's strain. We currently have 15 inpatients and two of them are children. We have seen patients ranging from babies to 90 year olds, but this year there are many 20,30 and 40 year olds.

Matron Lead for IPC, Jean Robinson, said: " It's never too late to have the Flu jab.  And with positive case numbers rising so quickly it's never been more important to protect yourselves and your families - especially if you have young children and elderly relatives."

Proper hand-washing is at the very heart of keeping  'flu at bay and out of our hospitals. Also, ensure your protective mask is the right one and fitted well.

To get your jab to protect yourself and others call our Occupational Health team on CRH x2039.