Visiting Restrictions at UHL

VISITOR restrictions remain in force at University Hospital Limerick this week and every precaution is being taken in the context of the current high incidence of flu in the Mid-West region.

Nationally, the influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate per 100,000 of the population has increased steadily since January of this year. And the ILI consultation rate per 100,000 in the MidWest was double the national rate for the week ending 7th February 2016.

This is being reflected in the hospital population and UHL can confirm that it currently has 19 confirmed and four suspected cases of influenza A .

Every precaution is being taken in this busy flu season and management and staff are working with their community colleagues to monitor, treat and contain instances of flu-like illness.

To ensure that we are able to protect vulnerable patients, UL Hospitals Group are asking people who are considering visiting a friend or relative at UHL to ensure they do not visit if they have flu-like symptoms. This is to ensure that we protect vulnerable patients from contracting the flu virus. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The hospital always applies strict infection control practices and in particular during peak periods of community-acquired flu. If you intend on visiting, please help us by complying with infection control procedures, especially hand hygiene, while visiting the hospital.

UL Hospitals Group has introduced a temporary restriction at UHL of one visitor per patient during the flu season and visitors are reminded that children under 14 are not allowed to visit. Visiting times are restricted to between 2pm and 4pm and between 6pm and 9pm.

The HSE provides the flu and pneumococcal vaccine free of charge for all those in the at-risk groups.

The following groups of at-risk people need to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza:

• Everyone aged 65 years and over

• Anyone over six months of age with a long term illness requiring regular medical follow-up such as chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, diabetes or those with lower immunity due to disease or treatment

• Pregnant women

• Children or teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy

• Residents of nursing homes and other long stay facilities

Those who have not got a vaccine at this stage are encouraged to make an appointment with their GP or Pharmacist as soon as possible as the vaccine covers the virus that is around at the moment.

If you get the symptoms of flu you should stay at home look after yourself and get in touch with a GP if you think your condition is getting worse. Further information for managing flu symptoms can be found at: http://undertheweather.ie/ailment/flu