Six confirmed or suspected cases of flu have been treated at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital this week, the Bermuda Hospitals Board said last night.

A spokeswoman said four confirmed or suspected cases were reported on Monday, with one confirmed or suspected case each on Tuesday and Wednesday.

However, she added: “We only report on what we know in the hospital. We don’t know what is happening in the community.

“Government have our information and also any reports from the community.”

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, this week warned members of the public to get vaccinated against the flu virus.

She said: “We are in the midst of flu season and there is a rise in numbers and in the severity of flu cases recorded on the island.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is to the public to protect themselves from the flu with vaccination, especially children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.

“These persons are strongly advised to seek medical attention early if they have any flu-like symptoms.”

The minister said that symptoms included fever, a temperature of 100.4F, headaches, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches or feeling very unwell and tired.

She advised anyone with signs of flu to remain at home and rest until at least 24 hours after the fever has passed.

Michael Richmond, chief of staff and acting chief executive at BHB, said this week that flu cases had jumped and that the speed and virulence was a concern.

He added: “We have gone from zero patients with suspected flu complications in the intensive care unit to four confirmed and three suspected cases over just one weekend.”