Mayo University Hospital announces visitor update

Due to rising cases of flu in the community and in Mayo University Hospital, the HSE are continuing to ask anyone with flu-like symptoms, not to visit the hospital.

The HSE has said to please not visit the hospital if you have any respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, fever, runny or blocked nose, shortness of breath, fatigue, aches and pains or gastrointestinal symptoms. You should postpone your visit until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared.

If you must attend the hospital, minimise your risk of catching or spreading an infection by ensuring the following:

• Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette by covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Please do not use patient toilets on the wards or en-suites
• Clean your hands regularly with alcohol hand gel
• You may be asked to wear a mask while in the hospital to assist in the protection of visitors, staff and patients

These measures are vital to avoid spreading the virus to patients, visitors and staff and the hospital would like to thank the public for their co-operation at this time.

If a ward is managing a flu outbreak, visiting restrictions will apply. In all other areas of the hospital a maximum of two visitors per patient will be strictly enforced unless there is a pre-approved exception to this granted on compassionate grounds.

People should check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well. Keeping up to date with your vaccines is the most important thing you can do to avoid serious illness from flu. Find your nearest clinic here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-vaccine/

Further information can be found at www.hse.ie/flu.