Following an outbreak of seasonal flu, affecting a small number of patients and staff, Hywel Dda Health Board has temporarily closed South Pembs. Hospital in Pembroke Dock to new admissions. This is to protect patients and staff and to help reduce the spread of infection.

Strict infection control precautions are in place and visiting is restricted to essential visitors only in liaison with ward staff. Next of kin have been advised of the situation.

The health board is asking members of the public and staff who have suffered flu-like symptoms to not visit any hospital or care facility until they are at least 48 hours free of symptoms.

Flu causes a sudden high temperature, headache and general aches and pains, tiredness and sore throat. Symptoms peak after two to three days and you should begin to feel much better after a week or so, although you may feel tired for much longer.

You can also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a cough. You may feel so exhausted and unwell that you have to stay in bed and rest until you feel better.

The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen, to lower a high temperature and relieve aches. Antibiotics are of no use in the treatment of flu because it is caused by a virus and not bacteria.

You should see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms and you: are 65 or over; are pregnant; have a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney or neurological disease; have a weakened immune system.

This is because flu can be more serious for you, and your doctor may want to prescribe antiviral medication. If you fall into any of these categories, the seasonal flu vaccine is offered free of charge every year and is the easiest way to prevent the spread of flu. If you think you need a seasonal flu vaccination, check with your GP, nurse or local pharmacist.

Clinical staff who have not received an influenza vaccine in the autumn 2011/2012 are being asked to please contact their local occupational health department to receive this as soon as possible.