Rising winter cases are placing growing strain on emergency departments.
Croydon University Hospital has seen hospital admissions for winter illnesses climb significantly in recent weeks, leading to longer waits and increased pressure on NHS services across the borough.
Dr Subhro Banerjee, chief medical officer and emergency medicine consultant at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, said: "Flu is not just a bad cold.
"It can be serious and even life-threatening, especially for older people, pregnant women and those with long-term conditions.
"Please get your flu vaccine, if you’re eligible.
"It’s the best protection for you and your loved ones."
Read more
The borough’s only acute hospital is also asking patients and relatives to wear a face mask if they have respiratory or flu like symptoms to protect vulnerable patients and to stop the spread of germs.
Dr Banerjee said: "As well as vaccinating the public, we’re also encouraging our staff to take extra precautions too, offering daily flu vaccination clinics and ensuring they are wearing masks in all clinical areas."
With just two weeks to go until Christmas, people are being advised to stock up on essential medicines and order repeat prescriptions in advance.
