STRICT VISITOR RESTRICTIONS have been introduced at Cork University Maternity Hospital due to a flu outbreak at the hospital campus.

Yesterday, restrictions were put in place at Cork University Hospital over the outbreak and today the hospital said this was being extended in the interested of patient care and to curb the spread of illness.

Earlier today it was confirmed that one case of swine flu had been identified in the hospital.

Visitors are being asked to adhere to the visiting times at CUH which are 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. Only one named visitor is allowed per patient per day and no children are allowed to visit the hospital. At the maternity hospital, visits are restricted to partners or husbands with strictly no children allowed.

“The flu virus is highly contagious and can seriously affect patients who are already sick in hospital,” commented Mick Henry, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the hospital. “The outbreak sees emergency admissions and discharges from the hospital being affected as patients with flu cannot be admitted to a ward or discharged to other healthcare facilities.”

Anyone with any queries about visiting times or visiting a particular ward should ring the Hospital in advance on 021 4922000.

Prevention

If you’re at risk of complications from the flu, you can still get a flu vaccination.

High risk groups include:

• Those aged 65 or older
• People with a chronic disease
• Those with lower immunity
• Pregnant women
• People who are morbidly obese
• Residents of long stay facilities such as nursing homes
• Health care workers

Anyone who gets the flu is advised to stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over the counter drugs to ease symptoms.

If you’re in one of the high-risk categories you’re advised to contact your GP.

Read: Visitor restrictions at Cork University Hospital>

Read: Flu outbreak leads to visiting restrictions at Beaumont Hospital>