Those with flu symptoms urged to stay away from Letterkenny University Hospital

Those with flu-like symptoms are being urged not to visit Letterkenny University Hospital, due to a sharp increase in flu cases in the community and the hospital.

The Health Service Executive said on Thursday afternoon that the hospital is treating 18 patients with flu. A particularly high number of older people and children are attending the hospital’s emergency department with symptoms.

Some 304 people in Donegal have been confirmed on laboratory testing with flu since the start of this flu season, including 101 last week, the HSE said in a statement.

Some 153 people have been hospitalised in the county since the start of this year’s flu season including 53 people last week.

In response to this sharp increase in cases, the HSE is asking the public to help to control the spread of flu by co-operating with visiting restrictions and infection control measures which have been introduced.

Symptoms of flu include a high temperature, aches and pains, headache, sore throat or cough.

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“ If you have any of these symptoms, please do not visit a loved one in the hospital, “ the HSE said.
“You must postpone your visit until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared, this will reduce the risk of spreading infection to vulnerable patients and healthcare staff.”

Letterkenny University Hospital has introduced new visiting restrictions as part of essential infection control measures. The hospital is advising that no one should visit if they are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, and they must remain away for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have cleared.

Under the updated rules, a maximum of two visitors per patient will be permitted, and this limit will be strictly enforced unless a pre-approved exception is granted on compassionate grounds.

Children are not allowed to visit the hospital at this time. The only exception applies to the maternity ward, where children may visit only with prior approval from the ward and only in circumstances deemed compassionate.

Everyone coming to the hospital should be extra vigilant. Strict Hand Hygiene measures will be in place and visitors will be encouraged to wash their hands and use hand gel regularly.

Face masks are widely available across the hospital and mask wearing is encouraged throughout the hospital and particularly on wards where there are flu outbreaks or where patients with flu are in-patients.

“We regret the impact these restrictions will have on patients and their families, especially at this time of year but we need to do everything we can to control the spread of infection,” the HSE said in the statement.

“Where a ward is managing a flu outbreak, visiting will be limited to compassionate grounds only. These restrictions are temporary however are subject to change based on daily activity levels so please check HSE.ie for information about visiting in your local hospital.

“For mild illness or non-urgent conditions there are a number of treatment options open to you – being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system. Your local out of hours GP service and pharmacies are open for expert advice and treatment.

“Anyone with breathing difficulties or chest pain should attend the emergency department for treatment or call 112/999 in an emergency, and patients with non-life-threatening conditions should seek healthcare in the community. As always, we treat our sickest patients first, which means that patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.

“The HSE is urging every eligible person to get vaccinated against flu and COVID as soon as possible, both the public and health care staff. The vaccines can stop infection, severe illness and prevent transmission to vulnerable people. Visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist to get a vaccine.”