16 December 2025

We are currently seeing an increase in flu cases across the region. To help reduce the spread of infection, we are urging members of the public to protect themselves and others by practicing good hand hygiene, getting vaccinated if eligible and taking precautions when visiting our healthcare settings.

Visitors can unintentionally introduce and spread common winter illnesses including flu, increasing the risk to our staff and patients who are already really unwell. To keep everyone as safe as possible we are strengthening infection control measures, including moving to essential visiting only more quickly during outbreaks. We have already taken precautionary steps such as closing rooms and bays in some areas over the last few weeks, but there have been no full ward closures.

If you are visiting loved ones in hospital, please use hand gel before entering and when leaving the ward. If you have symptoms such as a cough, cold, sore throat, fever or stomach upset please wait until you are fully recovered and symptom-free for 48 hours before visiting to avoid infecting our staff and patients.

While mask-wearing is not mandatory, anyone who wishes to wear one is welcome to do so. We continue to monitor the evolving situation closely and guidance may change throughout the winter.

We urge everyone who is eligible to get their free flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. These viruses can cause serious illness and even hospitalisation, particularly for older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you this winter.

Evidence from Public Health Scotland shows just how well this year’s flu vaccine is working: vaccinated children are 78% less likely to be admitted to hospital with flu and vaccinated adults aged 65 and over are 37% less likely to need hospital care. COVID-19 vaccination also remains vital for reducing the risk of severe illness and protecting vulnerable groups. Every vaccine helps keep families safe, reduces pressure on our health services and prevents avoidable hospital admissions.

Drop-in clinics are available this week for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, with more clinics being advertised on our Facebook page each week:

  • Tuesday 16 December - Eyemouth Day Hospital, 14:00 – 18:00
  • Thursday 18 December - Hawick Community Hospital, 13:30 – 17:30
  • Friday 19 December - Hay Lodge Health Centre, 14:00 – 15:00

If these dates and times aren’t convenient, you can book an appointment at https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp. New appointments are being added regularly, so please check back if you are unable to find a suitable appointment. You can find the full eligibility criteria for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations here.

Hand hygiene is another effective way to protect yourself and your family and friends from infections. You should especially wash your hands:

•            after using the toilet or changing a nappy

•            before and after handling raw foods like meat and vegetables

•            before eating or handling food

•            after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing

•            before and after treating a cut or wound

•            after touching animals, including pets, their food and after cleaning their cages

Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects, which can spread illnesses including covid and norovirus as well as food poisoning, flu and diarrhoea. If you do not have immediate access to soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if available.

By taking these precautions, you are playing a vital role in keeping our patients, staff and wider communities safe.