23/12/2024
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year From All The Staff.
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh ón bhfoireann ar fad.
Christmas Care Advice
Vaccination is the best protection – Getting vaccinated is the most effective way of preventing infections. Flu is now circulating in the community and will continue to increase over the coming weeks. Flu vaccination is available at participating GPs and pharmacies. See www.hse.ie/flu for more information. You can also get your COVID-19 booster, if eligible, at the same time.
Home and Pharmacy – For milder symptoms or the common cold, treat at home and visit the local pharmacy for treating the common cold. Ensure to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
GPs – If symptoms don't improve over time, or if they worsen, call the GP who can help with non-urgent illnesses. Make sure you or the person you care for are registered with a GP, check out the GP finder.
GP Out of Hours – if urgent GP care is needed out of hours, GP out-of-hours service is a high quality clinical service available for urgent care. Know the Christmas opening arrangements of the local service.
Injury Units – Injury units can treat many of the non-life threatening injuries people go to the emergency department for. For example, broken bones, dislocations, and minor burns. You can get treatment such as x-rays, plaster casts, and wound care.
Fill prescriptions – People who may need regular prescriptions are urged to get them filled by their own pharmacy in advance of Christmas.
Stock first aid boxes – People are advised to check their first aid boxes are well stocked to treat minor ailments at home e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen and a thermometer.
HSE website – People should also check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well.
Advance care planning – If you are caring for someone that is terminally ill, please have medicines that are recommended by your Palliative Care team or GP for situations that could arise.
Emergency departments are always available to treat seriously ill patients and the sickest patients are seen first. People with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen.
