Beaumont Hospital is restricting visiting to one visitor per patient today as part of its measures to contain an outbreak of the winter vomiting virus, which has affected a number of wards.
In a statement, the hospital emphasised that visitors should keep to the permitted visiting times of 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. No children are being allowed to visit.
The hospital said the virus is known to be widespread in the community at this time. It is therefore asking people who have the symptoms, which are severe abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea, not to visit its emergency eepartment.
The virus is a self-limiting illness, usually lasting 24 – 48 hours and does not usually require medical treatment. People with these symptoms should take plenty of fluids and, if they are concerned, should contact their GP.