Powys people urged not to visit loved ones in hospital if they are unwell
The NHS in Powys is asking people not to visit loved ones in hospital if they are unwell, have been unwell in the last 48 hours, or have had contact with people with diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms in recent days.
The NHS in Powys is asking people not to visit loved ones in hospital if they are unwell, have been unwell in the last 48 hours, or have had contact with people with diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms in recent days.
Mererid Bowley, Executive Director of Public Health with Powys Teaching Health Board said: "We are currently seeing an increase in the number of people contracting the flu virus within our local communities.
"Although flu can be very nasty it will usually get better without the need to see a doctor or attend hospital. But it is a highly infectious illness, so we are urging people with symptoms to stay away from hospital to help stop the virus spreading.
"Hospital visitors also have an important role to play in preventing the spread of infection so if you, or someone within your household, is unwell with flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea, vomiting or any other infectious condition they should not visit friends or relatives in hospital and should ensure they have been clear of any symptoms for at least 48 hours before visiting."
Flu symptoms can come on very quickly and can include a sudden high temperature, an aching body, feeling tired or exhausted, a dry cough, a sore throat, a headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or tummy pain and feeling sick and being sick
“I encourage everyone to stock up your home medicine. Medicine cabinet essentials such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help lower your temperature and treat aches and pains. There is helpful advice available from the NHS 111 Wales website, and your local community pharmacist is an excellent source of advice and treatments,” added Mererid
"Most people will be able to manage their symptoms at home, without seeing a doctor, by getting plenty of rest, keeping warm and drinking plenty of water.
“But flu can be very serious for some people, and vaccination is the best defence.”
Anyone eligible for a free flu vaccine this winter, who has not yet booked their appointment, is also being urged to get their vaccination now.
Those eligible for flu vaccination include people aged 65 and over, anyone in a clinical at-risk group, people who are immunosuppressed, pregnant women, people with learning disabilities, health and social care workers and carers, 2 & 3 year olds and Primary and secondary aged school children
Flu vaccination is still available from some GP practices , and from community pharmacies. More information is available from the health board website at pthb.nhs.wales/flu
How to look after yourself if you have flu: rest and sleep, keep warm, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear)
To reduce the risk of spreading flu: wash your hands often with warm water and soap, use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze and bin used tissues as quickly as possible
To reduce the risk of spreading diarrhoea and vomiting infections: wash your hands often with warm water and soap, wash any clothing or bedding that has poo or vomit on it separately on a hot wash, clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day, do not prepare food for other people, if possible, do not share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils and do not use a swimming pool until at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop
