Staff at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust have been made aware of cases in the community where people are suffering from flu-like symptoms and as a result are asking anyone with flu-like symptoms recently, especially within the past 48 hours, if possible, to stay at home, to not visit the Beacon Health Centre, and to stop visiting patients, relative or friends whether they be in hospital or nursing or residential care homes.
Flu is a common, highly infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. The symptoms of Flu are commonly a high temperature, general aches and pains, feeling tired and weak and often general cold-like symptoms.
If you’re otherwise fit and healthy, the best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You can take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches if necessary. If you are worried about a child, please do contact your GP.
It is still not too late to be vaccinated against Flu. Occupational Health, based at St Mary’s Hospital site is offering the Flu jab at a cost of £10. Occupational Health will be open Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30 and will also be holding a Saturday morning clinic 09:00-12:00 on 20th March 2016. Flu vaccinations are only available to over 12 year olds. To arrange an appointment call 01983 534209 or email [email protected].
Good hygiene is also highly important as most flu is highly contagious. To prevent becoming infected it is very important to wash your hands with soap and water after you have been around someone who is ill. Thorough cleaning of hard surfaces with a bleach solution will help to reduce the spread of infection. Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and put the tissue in the bin as soon as possible.
If you are feeling unwell over the weekend, the pharmacies that will be operating on Sunday and out of hours will be:
- Sainsbury’s Newport
Monday to Friday 07:00 until 23:00
Saturday 07:00 until 22:00
Sunday 10:00 until 16:00 - Tesco Extra Ryde
Monday to Saturday 08:00 until 19:45
Sunday 10:00 until 16:00 - Yarmouth Pharmacy
Friday and Saturday 08:30 until 18:00
Sunday 10:00 until 16:00
Only consider visiting your GP if:
– you’re 65 years of age or over
– you’re pregnant
– you have a long-term medical condition – such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease or a neurological disease
– you have a weakened immune system – for example, because you’re having chemotherapy or have HIV
– you develop chest pain, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or start coughing up blood
– your symptoms are getting worse over time or haven’t improved after a week
Alan Sheward, Executive Director of Nursing and the lead director for infection prevention and control, said:
“I would ask members of the public who have any flu-like symptoms to refrain from visiting St Mary’s unless they have been clear of the symptoms for at least 48 hours. Everyone visiting the hospital for any reason is encouraged to make use of the hand gel and hand washing facilities provided. This is not only to protect patients who are vulnerable, but also our staff who are needed to deliver our services.”
