People urged to contact vulnerable family members by Zoom due to Christmas flu surge
Vivienne Clarke
An emergency medicine consultant is urging people to use Zoom and other such methods of communication to contact vulnerable family members over Christmas to avoid the spread of the flu virus.
Dr Ronan Murphy of University Hospital Kerry told RTÉ radio’s News at One that hospitals were seeing an early outbreak of a very intense flu strain which meant that the anticipated seasonal peak was happening earlier than usual.
This was putting “significant strain” on the system. “I think it's important to realise that it's a time where people are coming home from overseas, perhaps congregating in areas with elderly members of the family sometimes as well, younger members of family, so a lot of mixing going on, so perfect conditions really for the spread of the virus.”
Most people would be able to manage flu symptoms themselves at home, with simple treatments like paracetamol, ibuprofen and good fluid intake.
“We have strong immune systems as humans and we are able to tackle this, but there will be a percentage of patients who do require hospital admission.
“The message from my perspective as an emergency medicine physician, is that while the majority of these cases can be managed in the community, it is important to avoid the hospital, and certainly visiting the hospital with relatives, etc., to avoid spread.
Symptoms
“If anyone has severe shortness of breath, chest pain, is looking unwell, with very high fevers, difficulty walking, confusion, drowsiness, many strange rashes, or signs of serious illness then they should present to be reviewed. And it may be the case that they could be discharged. The majority of cases would be that. But that we do keep an eye out for the rare serious complications of flu.
“My advice to people really is looking after general health at Christmas. There are other ways to keep in touch with loved ones such as over Zoom or on video calls, etc. You know, we need to look after the most vulnerable people in our society, anyone who is high risk. I think it is prudent to keep your distance from them and use those other modalities.
“But I think looking after our own health as well in terms of watching alcohol intake, salt intake, plenty of fresh air exercise. So we don't want to decompensate any of our own underlying illnesses, which could land us into a hospital over the period. Additionally, of course, avoiding unnecessary risks such as perhaps being up ladders or speeding on roads, et cetera. So there's lots we can do self-care-wise over the holiday season to make sure that we have a great time, but also don't end up in an environment which is very, very concentrated with regard to flu, Covid, and RSV.”
