'Choose Well' to help prevent spread of winter viruses
Infection prevention specialists are reminding people not to visit patients in hospitals and care homes if they have been feeling unwell.
Members of the public are advised to be cautious when choosing to visit a loved one or friend if they have recently been ill or had any symptoms of seasonal illnesses such as flu or norovirus (winter vomiting bug).
Sharon Daniel, Assistant Director of Nursing (Infection Prevention & Control) for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: "Illnesses such as diarrhoea and vomiting and flu can pass from one person to another very easily.
"Viruses can be extremely serious for sick and vulnerable patients and we are asking for your support to protect patients and healthcare workers.
"If you feel unwell or have diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms, we ask that you wait at least 48 hours after becoming symptom-free before visiting any hospital or care facility. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it is advisable for adults to avoid contact with patients for at least five days after the onset of illness, seven days for children, or several weeks if you are immunosuppressed.
"These winter illnesses are now circulating in the community; if you are experiencing these symptoms it is important to wash and dry your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before you handle food to prevent it being passed on to others."
Flu is on the increase across Wales and the most recent figures show that less than half the people under 65 in the ‘at risk’ groups have received their free NHS flu vaccine this winter.
The ‘at risk’ groups are:
If you are in an ‘at risk’ group and haven’t had your free flu jab, contact your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.
For advice on self care please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell
Members of the public are advised to be cautious when choosing to visit a loved one or friend if they have recently been ill or had any symptoms of seasonal illnesses such as flu or norovirus (winter vomiting bug).
Sharon Daniel, Assistant Director of Nursing (Infection Prevention & Control) for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: "Illnesses such as diarrhoea and vomiting and flu can pass from one person to another very easily.
"Viruses can be extremely serious for sick and vulnerable patients and we are asking for your support to protect patients and healthcare workers.
"If you feel unwell or have diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms, we ask that you wait at least 48 hours after becoming symptom-free before visiting any hospital or care facility. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it is advisable for adults to avoid contact with patients for at least five days after the onset of illness, seven days for children, or several weeks if you are immunosuppressed.
"These winter illnesses are now circulating in the community; if you are experiencing these symptoms it is important to wash and dry your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before you handle food to prevent it being passed on to others."
Flu is on the increase across Wales and the most recent figures show that less than half the people under 65 in the ‘at risk’ groups have received their free NHS flu vaccine this winter.
The ‘at risk’ groups are:
- Chronic chest conditions including COPD, and asthma that needs steroid inhalers or tablets
- Chronic heart conditions
- Chronic kidney disease at stage 3, 4 or 5, chronic kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome or kidney transplantation
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological conditions including a stroke or mini stroke (TIA)
- Diabetes, including those who are diet controlled
- Pregnant women
- People with a suppressed immune system due to disease or treatment
- Those with a poorly functioning spleen, and
- People who live in long stay residential care facilities.
If you are in an ‘at risk’ group and haven’t had your free flu jab, contact your GP or pharmacist as soon as possible.
For advice on self care please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/choosewell
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