Mayo University Hospital treating high number of patients with flu

THERE are 40 people in Mayo University Hospital being treated for flu at present amid an ongoing nationwide surge of flu cases. 

MUH have encouraged those with symptoms including high temperature, aches and pains, headache, sore throat or cough to refrain from visiting loved ones in the hospital until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have cleared. 

Today (December 27, 2024) there are ten people being treated on hospital trolleys in MUH. 

Those with mild illness or non-urgent conditions have been encouraged to avail of the WestDoc out-of-hours GP service, pharmacies and the Roscommon Injury Unit to ease pressure on the healthcare system. 

Catherine Donohoe, MUH Hospital Manager said: “Our staff are working very hard to care for the many seriously ill patients in the hospital and we need to do everything we can to protect our patients from additional risks of the flu virus. All visitors are urged to wash their hands properly and use hand gel regularly while in the hospital. For your protection, masks are available in the main hospital foyer and in the wards.”

In an interview with The Mayo News, Dr Eleanor Loftus, said that medical professionals were preparing for an onslaught of respiratory illnesses.

“Having worked in Westdoc and seen patients very sick on Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day, the numbers can be very high. A lot of people don’t need to be seen but older people and those with complications are really at risk and do get very ill and that is the worry,” said Dr Loftus. 

The Crossmolina-based general practitioner - who was recently appointed the new Coroner for Mayo - said more uptake of the flu vaccine would reduce the spread of the disease.