Search Results for 'Infectious diseases'

Week II

The HSE is urging the public to help prevent the spread of flu and norovirus (the contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea) by avoiding hospitals and GP surgeries so as not to infect others who may be already unwell.

The days are slowly getting shorter and we will soon find ourselves in the midst of winter, making it harder to escape the colds and flu going around. Here are a few of Evergreen’s top tips to support your immune health, and to help to keep colds and flu at bay.

At this time of year infection prevention is a favourite word among doctors and the general public alike. Everyone is interested in how to protect and defend themselves effectively against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. As we are all living in times when certain drugs are losing their effectiveness, natural substances that work effectively and do not burden the body are coming to the fore.

The weather is very changeable at this time of year, alternating between hot and cold, and dry and wet. This puts extra pressure on your immune system which can result in colds, coughs, or chest infections.

Cold and flu season is in full swing but the HSE is advising that antibiotics will not help to tackle the seasonal sniffles.

At this time of year there is an increase in the numbers of people who have Norovirus (winter vomiting bug) in the community. To help curtail the spread of the winter vomiting bug, the West Public Health Department is appealing to the public to take precautions to protect their health and to adhere strictly to visiting restrictions and hygiene guidelines when visiting nursing homes, hospitals and health services.

The HSE have launched their annual antibiotic awareness campaign, and the ads are now running on national and local radio stations highlighting the fact that it is pointless taking antibiotics for cold and flus.

Researchers at NUI Galway are involved in a new European project which hopes to deliver a cost effective tool for the speedy diagnosis of infections such as pneumonia. The test would reduce diagnosis time from days to hours, so that the appropriate treatments can be administered as early as possible for the best possible outcome.