Thursday, February 25, 2016

UHL influenza alert remains unchanged – Limerick Leader

VISITOR restrictions continue to be in pressure at the University Hospital Limerick, adhering to a UL Hospitals Group management meeting this week, as there is still a higher incidence of flu in the Mid-West region.

According to a recent update by the UL Hospitals Group on Wednesday morning, the Mid-West price of influenza-love health problem (ILI) consultation — per 100,000 — is double the national rate. The price has actually increased “steadily” because January, and has actually impacted on overcrowding in the emergency department, in Dooradoyle.

According to a spokesperson for the group, there are 10 confirmed and 11 suspected cases of influenza A, in Limerick.

“Every precaution is being taken in this active flu season and management and staff are functioning along with their community colleagues to monitor, handle and contain instances of flu-love illness,” a spokesperson for the group said.

The UL Hospitals Group is asking individuals that are thinking about going to a buddy or relative to guarantee that they do not visit University Hospital Limerick if they have actually flu-love symptoms.

“This is to guarantee that we protect vulnerable patients from contracting the flu virus.  We apologise for any type of inconvenience this might cause. The hospital constantly applies strict infection regulate practices and in particular throughout peak periods of community-acquired flu.  If you intend on visiting, please guidance us by complying along with infection regulate procedures, especially hand hygiene, while going to the hospital,” the spokesperson said.

As a outcome of the recent flu outbreak, UHL has actually introduced a temporary restriction of one visitor per patient, throughout the flu season. As section of the restrictions, youngsters under 14 are not permitted to visit.

Visiting times are additionally restricted to in between 2pm and 4pm, and in between 6pm and 9pm.

The spokesperson added that the HSE is offering vaccines, devoid of charge, for patients that are placed in “at-risk groups”.

These include: every person aged 65 years and over; anybody over 6 months of age along with a long-term illness, that additionally require normal medical follow-up, such as chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, diabetes; or those along with lesser immunity as a result of illness or treatment; pregnant women; youngsters or teenagers on lasting aspirin therapy; residents of nursing homes and various other long remain facilities.

“Those that have actually not got a vaccine at this phase are encouraged to make an appointment along with their GP or pharmacist once feasible as the vaccine covers the virus that is about at the moment. If you get hold of the symptoms of flu you ought to remain at home, look after on your own and get hold of in touch along with a GP, if you believe your condition is obtaining worse,” the spokesperson advised.

According to the spokesperson, the higher incidence of flu in the community is “reflected in the hospital population and this puts added tension on bed management.

“Data additionally shows that emergency department attendances at UHL increased by 10% in January 2016 compared to the corresponding month last year.”

Further guide for controlling flu symptoms can easily be discovered at http://ift.tt/24qIkPc.

In January 2016, there were 682 individuals were being treated on trolleys in the A&E, and on added trolleys and beds in the wards.



from Influenza – NewsBlog http://ift.tt/1QfdmA2