Many hospitals are introducing a ‘one visitor only’ policy in an effort to reduce the spread of influenza.
The most recent data shows 410 flu cases were recorded last week, nearly twice the number reported the week before, while 171 Covid-19 cases were also confirmed in the same timeframe, reports Breaking News.
At least 18 hospitals nationwide have restricted visiting to just one visitor per patient.
GP Dr Ilona Duffy said the measures are challenging at this time of year but are necessary, reports Breaking News.
“We’re not quite seeing it in every hospital yet but it’s likely that we will. People have to understand why,” she said, reports Breaking News.
“If you’re in hospital, if you’ve been admitted to hospital, you’re obviously fairly sick.
“And to get another infection on top of that, especially influenza, really could compromise the person in hospital’s care, the patient’s care, and obviously we have to safeguard all of the staff around the hospital too. So, I think this is probably a sensible approach,” reports Breaking News.
The Mater Hospital has urged the public, where possible, to stay away from its emergency department.
It said services at the hospital are under severe strain due to the high number of patients being treated for influenza, reports Breaking News.
The hospital has asked people not to attend to accompany or visit patients if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Tipperary University Hospital management has adjusted visiting hours to between 6:30pm and 8:30pm each day, reports Breaking News.
It said visitors should be aware “that the numbers of patients with flu and respiratory symptoms are increasing daily and are requested not to visit if they are feeling unwell as this poses a risk to your loved one and other patients”, reports Breaking News.
Children are not allowed to visit the hospital.
