MID Cheshire Hospitals Trust has issued advice to the public to help them beat flu this winter.

The trust is asking people to be 'flubusters' in a bid to counteract the illness.

It is launching a campaign to protect patients and hospital staff from the virus, with posters highlighting the campaign's message being displayed around the two mid Cheshire hospitals - Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Leighton Hospital in Crewe.

Staff at both hospitals are being offered free flu vaccines, and anyone who is planning to visit a friend or relative is being asked not to do so if they, or anyone close to them, has:

l A high temperature/fever.

l Sore throat.

l Cough.

l Headache.

l Aching muscles and joints.

A spokesman for the trust said: "It is important to keep the flu virus out of hospitals at any time, but it is particularly important over the winter period.

"Flu can become a serious condition for many patients in hospital, who may be in a weakened state.

"It is also important to protect NHS staff from the flu virus, in order to avoid increased sickness absence during the winter period."

The trust stresses that this request does not apply to anyone coming to the hospitals for an outpatient appointment, clinic or other booked appointment, as these patients should attend as normal.

If you are unsure whether you should visit anyone in hospital or would like general advice on flu and its symptoms you can ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647.