Vhi appeals to customers with symptoms of winter viral infections to stay home but to call our Clinical Care Hub for medical advice
Wednesday, 21 December 2022: Vhi is appealing to customers to stay at home if they have symptoms of a winter viral infection rather than attending Vhi 360 Health Centres/ SwiftCare Clinics. Customers with symptoms of a viral infection can instead call Vhi’s Clinical Care Hub to be assessed remotely. Viral infections, which are easily transmissible, cause symptoms such as as runny or blocked nose, mild fever, cough and tiredness, while many children with viral infections also have a generalised rash.
Vhi’s Clinical Care Hub, which on Monday received an unprecedented 1,200 calls, provides customers with access to medical advice and support including a prescription if appropriate and if a child is over 5 years of age. Vhi’s 360 Health Centres and SwiftCare Clinics will continue to provide to care for urgent minor injuries such as breaks, burns and lacerations.
Dr Nicholas Young, Vhi Group Healthcare Officer said “There has been a significant increase in winter viral infections, including flu among children and young people this winter and as a result the demand for urgent support from our customers has doubled. At Vhi our aim is to treat customers at their earliest convenience and in the right environment. We are therefore appealing to customers with symptoms of winter viral infections to remain at home in order to limit exposure to our vulnerable customers and staff. We would instead recommend that customers phone our Clinical Care Hub where they will receive expert medical support with one of our urgent care nurses or Doctors”.
Dr Young continued “Viral infections are easily spread and cause symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, mild fever, cough and tiredness. You can usually treat a child with a viral infection at home.
There is also a small increase in a rare bacterial infection called Group A Streptococcal (GAS). GAS infections cause symptoms such as sore throat, fever, chills, muscle aches and scarlet fever – a raised rash. Whilst GAS infections, including scarlet fever, are common; the more serious Invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS) infections are rare. If you feel you or your child is seriously unwell then call 999 or go to an Emergency Department.”
Customers can contact Vhi’s Clinical Care Hub (01 448 2450) from 8am to 6pm/7 days a week. Vhi 360 Health Centre’s in Carrickmines and Limerick and Vhi SwiftCare Clinics in Swords and Cork will continue to treat urgent minor injuries and illness and minor procedures. The Clinics are open 365 days a year including Christmas Day.
ENDS
Vhi_Press
21-Dec-2022