Around 60 patients at Addenbrooke’s hospital are suffering with flu, resulting in ward closures and hospital bosses urging people to stay away unless it’s an emergency.

There are currently two wards closed with five areas affected, including public areas like the concourse.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust’s medical director is Dr Jag Ahluwalia.

“The hospital is full and we’re struggling to cope with demand.” he said.

“Some patients have had to be diverted to other hospitals.

“We have high numbers of people with flu across the hospital.

“We are also urging people not to bring children on site and keep visiting to a minimum – a single visitor if possible, no large family groups.

“For coughs, colds and flu-like illnesses, people are better off at home, resting and drinking plenty of fluids.

“We need people to stay away from the hospital and ask themselves ‘do you need to be here?’” he added.

A hospital spokeswoman has said the flu virus is common at this time of year and is not usually serious, although you may need to stay in bed for a few days. Influenza is a virus so cannot be treated with antibiotics and in most cases it will run its course.

If people think they may have flu-like symptoms check with their GP, pharmacist or call NHS 111.