Health / Please do not visit hospital or care homes if feeling unwell, health board advises

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.

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