Flu outbreak sparks public warning from Welsh health board

A health board in Wales is asking people to not visit hospitals if they feel unwell. The NHS in Powys has made the public plea following a flu outbreak which is putting patients at risk, the health board said in a statement on Friday evening.

The health board asked those with flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, sore throat, cough, diarrhoea or stomach pain to stay away from their hospitals. It comes following news four illnesses are circulating in the UK this winter in what has been dubbed the “quad-demic” - made up of flu, respiratory syncytial virus, norovirus and Covid.

Mererid Bowley, executive director of public health for the health board, said its sites were seeing an increase in the number of people contracting illnesses in hospitals. He said: “Although flu can be very nasty it will usually get better without the need to see a doctor or attend hospital. But it is a highly infectious illness, so we are urging people with symptoms to stay away from hospital to help stop the virus spreading.

“Hospital visitors also have an important role to play in preventing the spread of infection so if you, or someone within your household, is unwell with flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea, vomiting or any other infectious condition they should not visit friends or relatives in hospital and should ensure they have been clear of any symptoms for at least 48 hours before visiting."

NHS advice if you think you have the flu is to get plenty of rest and sleep, keep warm, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains. You should also drink plenty of water. Mr Bowley added: “I encourage everyone to stock up your home medicine cabinet. Medicine cabinet essentials such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help lower your temperature and treat aches and pains. There is helpful advice available from the NHS 111 Wales website, and your local community pharmacist is an excellent source of advice and treatments.

“Most people will be able to manage their symptoms at home, without seeing a doctor, by getting plenty of rest, keeping warm and drinking plenty of water. But flu can be very serious for some people, and vaccination is the best defence.” For the latest health and Covid news, sign up to our newsletter here.