To help protect vulnerable patients and staff from the spread of infections this festive period, NHS Ayrshire & Arran is asking visitors to stay at home if they are feeling unwell or have certain symptoms.
There has been a significant increase in cases of viral respiratory infections including Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in recent weeks, both in the community and hospital settings. When this happens there is a risk that infections will spread within our wards, causing outbreaks and delayed discharges.
Jennifer Wilson, Nurse Director, explains: “We know how important it is to visit a relative or close friend who is in hospital, particularly at this time of year. But we ask that if you have any respiratory symptoms or feel unwell to please postpone your visit until you feel better.”
If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness – such as a cough, fever or runny nose – or have experienced diarrhoea and/ or vomiting within the last 48 hours – please do not visit your loved ones in hospital. Instead, consider staying in touch through phone or video calls until you’re feeling better.
For more information about the symptoms of common infections and what you should do if you have them, please go to www.nhsinform.scot.