Flu sufferers urged not to attend A&E

Public Health Wales is urging people suffering from seasonal flu symptoms not to attend A&E departments unless absolutely necessary.

 

Last week Public Health Wales reported that rates of seasonal flu in Wales have doubled during December and eligible people should ask their doctor for flu vaccination.

 

Now the organisation is also reminding people that unless their symptoms are very severe or they are pregnant or in an at-risk group, they can treat themselves at home without needing to visit A&E departments already busy due to the poor weather conditions.

 

Dr Marion Lyons, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales, said: “Although flu is unpleasant, it usually resolves itself within a week and it is not advised that patients visit their GP surgery or A&E department. 

 

“This only risks spreading the infection to others, and it is unlikely that any medication will be prescribed in most cases.

 

“There are simple steps that patients can take at home to help themselves recover, and medical advice should only be sought if symptoms have not improved or are worsening after a week.

 

 “If you do seek advice from your GP, you should ring in the first instance and not attend in person.”

 

Flu makes people feel worse than an ordinary cold and the most common symptoms are a sudden fever, shivering, headache, muscle aches and a dry cough.

 

Anyone with these symptoms should rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol. Adults can also take aspirin.

 

The flu virus is highly contagious and is easily passed from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually develop within two to three days.

 

Transmission can also occur by touching a contaminated surface – the flu virus can live on a hard surface for up to 24 hours and a soft surface for around 20 minutes.

 

Dr Lyons added: “To reduce transmission, it is vital if you have a respiratory infection to cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, preferably with a tissue, and wash your hands afterwards. 

 

“Normal household products can be used to clean the room of someone who has had flu as the virus can easily be destroyed. Open the windows and wash bed linen but make sure you wash your hands afterwards.”