High levels of flu in St Luke’s General Hospital, Carlow Kilkenny

Due to the increase in flu cases in the community and at St Luke’s General Hospital, Carlow/Kilkenny, HSE Dublin and South East is appealing to anyone with flu symptoms, not to visit the hospital. Please do 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

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

• If you have any symptoms, you should not come to visit until all symptoms are fully resolved for at least 48 hours.·
• Masks are available at reception, please wear a mask to assist in the protection of visitors, staff and patients.·
• 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.

People should check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well.

Further information can be found at www.hse.ie/flu. Keeping up to date with your vaccines is the most important thing you can do to avoid serious illness from flu. The HSE is urging every eligible person to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 as soon as possible, both the public and healthcare staff. The vaccines can stop infection, severe illness and prevent transmission to vulnerable people. Find your nearest clinic here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-vaccine/