Winter viruses continue to sweep across Tayside, with hospital services now having been blighted for almost three months.
A number of wards have been closed in recent days, with the Tay Ward at Perth Royal Infirmary the latest to be hit.
Patients are being closely monitored and infection control procedures have been put in place, with visitors asked to wear face masks, gloves and aprons to combat the spread.
Anyone who has been suffering from flu symptoms or other illnesses is being warned to stay away from hospital services and sensitive wards in particular.
NHS Tayside’s lead infection control doctor, Dr Gabby Phillips, said it was important that the public play their part in avoiding the spread of winter illness.
“Flu is still circulating in the community at the moment,” she said.
“Tay Ward remains closed and we are closely monitoring the situation, while staff are adopting enhanced infection control precautions.”
Last month, The Courier revealed that patients across Tayside were facing delayed operations as beds filled with an increasing number of winter virus sufferers.
NHS Tayside has been forced to cancel a number of non-emergency procedures and though wards are affected each year, the health board said the pressure upon services was nonetheless “exceptional”.
The problems could even worsen over the next four weeks as March is traditionally one of the worst months for the spread of winter viruses.
A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said significant steps were being taken to reduce the risk of infection being brought into the Tay Ward in particular.
The health board has also issued detailed advice for residents across Tayside in a bid to inhibit the spread and development of flu and other viruses.
“Tay Ward at Perth Royal Infirmary is closed to new admissions due to a small number of patients who have seasonal flu,” she said.
“Patients in the ward are being monitored and appropriate infection control measures are in place.
“To help reduce the spread of infection, visitors are asked to avoid visiting if possible, but if they do they will be offered face masks, gloves and apron and asked to wash or gel their hands.
“Flu is an infectious and common viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes that is why good hand hygiene is important.
“We ask that visitors who have coughs and colds which could be flu do not visit friends and relatives until they are better.”
NHS Tayside said getting vaccinated was “the single most important thing people can do to protect themselves and others from getting flu”.