STRICT VISITOR RESTRICTIONS have been put in place at Cork University Hospital because of an outbreak of the flu.

One named visitor per patient is permitted but no children are allowed to visit.

Visitor hours are as follows:

• 2pm – 4pm
• 6.30pm- 8.30pm

Doctor Mike Henry Consultant Respiratory Physician at Cork University Hospital said:

In the interest of our patients we would appeal to people not to visit during this time. The flu virus is highly contagious and can seriously affect patients who are already sick in hospital. We would appeal to people to strictly adhere to the visiting restrictions and not to visit any healthcare facility if they have any flu type symptoms.

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 getting 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. You can get more information on the flu here.

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

Read: Vaccine reminder issued as HSE says 1,000 could die in severe flu season