The Health Division urged precautions today because of what it described as a severe outbreak of influenza which could cause problems for vulnerable persons including the elderly and those suffering from chronic conditions such as asthma and cardiac disease.

It said that while there was no cause for alarm, people were being urged to avoid crowds, particularly in enclosed spaces, and to wash their hands regularly using hand gel.

They were also urged to eat fruit and veg, drink plenty of water and dispose of tissues wisely.

In case of illness, patients should first contact their family doctor or health centre, and it was only the doctors who could refer people to hospital, if necessary.

At the Emergency Department, people with the most serious conditions were treated first, it said.

The union representing nurses at the Emergency Department yesterday complained of severe overcrowding and warned they could take industrial action unless the situation was tackled.

The Health Division said yesterday that more than 200 “very sick people” were admitted to Mater Dei as in-patients between New Year’s Eve and 4 p.m. yesterday.