Surge in flu cases prompts visitor precautions
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In response to a surge in flu cases, Backus Hospital is asking anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to refrain from visiting patients at the hospital.
The hospital has also added “Respiratory Etiquette Stations” in outpatient waiting areas such as the Emergency Department, Laboratory and Diagnostic Imaging so that patients can utilize alcohol-based hand soap, tissues and other supplies that can help limit spread of the flu.
Robin Heard, a registered nurse and Clinical Coordinator of Epidemiology at Backus, said that 14 patients who came to the Backus Emergency Department over the weekend tested positive for the flu, and many others who weren’t tested probably had the flu.
While this year’s vaccine isn’t a perfect match for many strains of this year’s virus, a shot will still minimize flu symptoms. Heard said the hospital has gathered anecdotal evidence that people who have received a flu shot this year are recovering 2-4 days faster than those who didn’t receive a shot.
Those who have the flu are contagious for up to seven days after they show symptoms.
The best way to prevent the flu, Heard said, is to:
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Wash your hands
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Maintain good sleep habits
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Exercise
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Eat well
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Stay away from crowds when you are feeling sick.
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If you are coughing and sneezing, it’s better to use your arm to cover your mouth and nose rather than your hand, because you are less likely to transmit the germs that way.