A Cumbrian health boss says cases of flu are on the rise in hospitals across the county.

It comes as some GP surgeries in the county are running low on stocks of the flu jab, with the threat of Aussie flu prompting a high uptake of the vaccination locally.

The Australian flu strain - which resulted in a particularly bad flu season down under, claiming hundreds of lives - has left the NHS facing increasing challenges this winter.

Efforts are underway to try and stop it spreading across the UK, but reports of flu are on the rise.

Stephen Eames, chief executive of North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, said the Carlisle and Whitehaven hospitals have seen flu cases rise in the past week.

He said some of the winter pressures felt in recent weeks are starting to ease, but flu remains a concern - and urged anyone who is eligible for the free jab to get vaccinated.

"It's a much less pressured week than last week, however the flu curve is set to spike. We've seen a lot more flu in the last 10 days than we've seen all winter in our hospitals," he explained.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) has also seen a rise in patients with flu.

The trust is asking the public to only attend its emergency departments or visit loved ones if necessary after several patients at Furness General Hospital tested positive for influenza.

Lynne Wyre, deputy chief nurse, said: “At this time of year, flu remains highly infectious and can spread rapidly in closed environments such as hospitals, schools and care homes.

“Any visitors, members of the public or UHMBT staff who may be feeling unwell, or may have been in contact with a person, with flu like symptoms in recent days, should stay away from our hospitals.

"If you are still planning on visiting a loved one in hospital then masks are available on request from ward staff."

Most GP practices started promoting the flu jab in September or early October, holding drop-in clinics to help protect patients ahead of the main flu season getting underway.

Surgeries order their supplies in advance based on the number of likely eligible patients. However NHS leaders say it isn't unusual for practices to have ran out by January, or have low stocks.

David Rogers, medical director at NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said the vaccine is still widely available across the county.

“We would urge anyone who is eligible for a flu jab to have one as soon as possible. It isn’t too late to protect yourself," he explained.

"GPs have been vaccinating their patients since September and we know there has been a really high take up in Cumbria.

"We would expect at this time that some surgery stocks may be running low so if your GP can’t help please contact your local pharmacy."

He added that for those who do get flu but are usually quite healthy, the best advice is to stay at home and rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over the counter medicines to ease symptoms.

Those most at risk of complications from flu are people with pre-existing medical conditions, the elderly, very young and pregnant women. These groups therefore receive the free vaccine.

Those who don't qualify can get the vaccine privately from a pharmacy for a charge, usually around £10.

Dr Alex Gaw, GP and chairman of Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) added: “Whilst flu can be a very unpleasant viral illness, it can also be very serious, especially for vulnerable groups or those already ill in hospital and undergoing treatment.

"We would therefore advise that you to stay home, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and use paracetamol or ibuprofen to control your temperature and treat aches and pains."

Flu - your questions answered

What is Aussie flu?

This term refers to the H3N2 strain of flu that resulted in a particularly bad flu season over the Australian winter. It is just one of several strains circulating in the UK, but is being attributed to particularly nasty cases of the virus. It is covered by the current flu jab.

Who qualifies for the free NHS jab?

Anyone aged 65 and over; pregnant women; children and adults with an underlying health condition such as long-term heart or respiratory disease); those with weakened immune systems. Young children can also receive the nasal spray.

Where can I get it from?

Contact your local GP practice or pharmacy. If your surgery has ran out, you can access it via a pharmacy.

What should I do if I get flu?

Although you may feel very poorly, in most cases the virus will clear up after a period of rest and recuperation. Drink plenty of fluids and speak to your pharmacist about over the counter remedies. Always check before giving medication to children.

How can I stop it spreading?

Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You're more likely to give it to others in the first five days. Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours. To reduce the risk: wash hands often with warm water and soap, use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, and bin used tissues as quickly as possible.

How will I know if it is Aussie flu?

Without specific tests you won't know for sure whether you have had the Australian flu or another strain. The advice and treatment is the same regardless of the strain of flu.