Health / Please do not visit hospital or care homes if feeling unwell, health board advises
‘Less than 10’ patients with Covid in the hospital, NHS Shetland confirms
NHS SHETLAND is reminding folk not to visit vulnerable friends and family in hospital or care homes when suffering from highly contagious viral illnesses such as flu, Covid and norovirus.
The warning comes as respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, including Covid, are circulating in the community.
Responding to a enquiry from Shetland News about the number of patients with Covid currently in the hospital, the health board was unable to give a precise number but confirmed on Friday that medical staff were looking after “less than 10” cases at the moment.
Meanwhile, data from England suggests a surge in the number of flu and Covid admissions to hospital.
NHS Shetland’s public health and infection control said everyone can help to prevent such illnesses from being brought into hospital and care homes.
“Please avoid visiting if you are experiencing any cold or flu like symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough, runny nose, or fever,” the health board said.
“Likewise, anyone who has experienced vomiting or diarrhoea should wait until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have passed before visiting anyone.”
Generally, anyone visiting a hospital or care home should follow basic infection control advice such as thorough hand washing with either hand sanitiser or soap and water before and after visiting.
More information on respiratory or gastrointestinal infections can be found here.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.