AN OUTBREAK OF flu in the county – including the H1N1 swine flu strain – will get worse before it gets better, the country’s top doctor warned today.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said the number of human swine flu cases could exceed the peak seen during the pandemic in 2009.
He said there is likely to be a continued rise in cases over the next two to four weeks.
During the peak of the pandemic in 2009, Ireland was seeing over 200 new cases for every 100,000 people.
That’s more bad news for hospitals, GPs and businesses who are reporting high sickness levels in the county this week.
Some clinics at Letterkenny and Sligo hospitals are being cancelled due to an influx of suspected flu patients and illness amongst hospital staff.
People due to attend outpatient clinics or surgeries over the next week are being advised to check with their hospitals first.
Medical 2 Ward at LGH is closed to visitors for infection prevention and control purposes.
In a statement LGH said: “Visitors are asked not to visit the hospital unless it is absolutely essential and, where it is essential, visitor numbers should be kept to a minimum and be confined to visiting times only – visitors are asked to co-operate with staff in all matters in this regard.
“Visitors who themselves may be unwell or have any flu symptoms should not visit the hospital. Very young children or those with some other serious illness should avoid visiting the hospital, as they may be particularly susceptible to the virus.
“Visitors are asked to wash their hands thoroughly before entering or leaving the inpatient area. Management at Letterkenny General Hospital regret any inconvenience caused and thank people for their cooperation.”
Flu has also hit the Donegal GAA team, forcing a delay in the naming of the team for this weekend’s game. SEE SPORT
ends
Tags: