Hospital managing nine outbreaks of respiratory illness

Management at Letterkenny University Hospital has appealed for the public not to visit patients if they are feeling unwell as they are currently managing nine outbreaks of respiratory illnesses.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Covid-19 and flu are circulating in the community and anyone with respiratory symptoms is being asked to avoid visiting healthcare settings to prevent the spread of illness, protect those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of these infections and avoid impact on services at a very busy time of year. All visitors to the hospital will be requested to wear a face mask.

Sean Murphy, Hospital Manager at LUH said, “We are seeing very high levels of respiratory viruses including flu, COVID-19 and RSV circulating in the community. We are asking the public to be mindful of the safety of our vulnerable patients and do not visit the hospital if you have a cough, cold, temperature, runny nose or sneezing. Anyone coming to the hospital is asked please wear a face mask and use hand gel regularly. Masks are available throughout the hospital.”

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a highly contagious respiratory disease and is the main cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in very young children. Bronchiolitis may lead to breathing and feeding difficulties and can result in hospitalisation. RSV can also be serious and life-threatening for older adults, individuals with weak immune systems, and children who are premature or have chronic heart and lung disease.

Anyone who has respiratory symptoms should stay at home until they have been symptom free for 48 hours.

If you are concerned about your symptoms or your condition worsens, contact your GP or GP out of hours service.

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