Ensure you have no respiratory symptoms when visiting vulnerable people

WITH cases of RSV, flu and winter viruses increasing, Public Health West is encouraging the people of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to ensure they have no respiratory symptoms before visiting vulnerable people.

Those who are in settings such as hospitals or long-term care facilities are at a higher risk of serious illness if they contract any virus. It is important if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms such as a cough, sneezing, sore throat, or breathlessness that you avoid attending these settings.

If visiting someone who is vulnerable:

- Ensure you do not have respiratory symptoms

- Wear a face mask

- Wash or sanitise your hands regularly

- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces regularly

Take these extra actions to avoid respiratory infection:

- Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes

- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow

- Get your flu and Covid-19 vaccine if eligible

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds - especially after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, and before eating

- Wear a face mask in crowded areas

- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces regularly

- Consider meeting outdoors in the fresh air as there is greater risk of infection in enclosed places

What to do if you have symptoms:

- Stay at home when you are sick

- Stay away from those who are vulnerable

- Contact your GP if you need advice on how to manage your symptoms

For more advice, see https://www2.hse.ie/under-the-weather/.