PATIENTS with winter bugs are being urged to stay at home instead of seeking emergency treatment.

Whiston Hospital’s A&E department has been inundated with people with symptoms of flu and the winter vomiting bug.

Dr Kevin Hardy, medical director, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The flu and norovirus are pretty nasty and can make people feel very ill.

“However, most people do not need hospital care for these illnesses. “Emergency departments are very busy at this time of year and those attending with minor illnesses will wait, often for long periods.

“This is so we can look after patients with serious or life-threatening conditions.

“Spreading germs can also put other people at risk. We are asking people to make sure they know what to do if they have flu or norovirus.”