Diarrhoea and vomiting outbreak forces ward closures (From Western Telegraph)

Diarrhoea and vomiting outbreak forces ward closures

2:31pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in County News

Visitors are being asked not to go to Withybush Hospital following an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting - some cases of norovirus have been confirmed.

Visiting is restricted across the whole hospital and ward seven, the acute coronary unit (previously ward eight) and CCU are closed.

Relatives are asked to call the wards first before attempting to visit as access is being restricted to avoid further cases.

Anyone suffering diarrhoea and vomiting or flu is asked not to visit any hospital or care facility.

If you have diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms most people will make a full recovery within a couple of days.

There is no specific treatment and apart from the risk of dehydration, the illness is not generally dangerous and there are usually no long-lasting effects.

It is important to have plenty to drink and, if you feel the need, paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains.

To reduce the risk of passing it onto others, wash your hands regularly and stay at home until you are clear of symptoms for 48 hours.

Colds and flu affect 15 million people each year in the UK but unlike a cold, the symptoms of flu come on very quickly and include a fever and aching joints and muscles.

Flu can be a serious condition for some people, so it’s important to get a flu jab, available free of charge, if you are over 65, pregnant or have an underlying health condition (particularly chronic heart or respiratory disease), or weakened immune system. Do not wait until a flu outbreak occurs – contact your GP or practice nurse now to arrange your flu jab.

For the first time, the flu vaccine will be also available from 137 pharmacies in Wales, with selected pharmacists given special training to administer the injections.

To get your jab, contact your GP to make an appointment or check NHS Direct for a local pharmacy that can give you the vaccine.

If you would like advice about your illness or are concerned about flu symptoms, then in the first instance call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or phone your GP who will assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice. Do not attend your GP Practice without speaking to them or NHS Direct first.