Backus cancels visitor restrictions
PrintNORWICH - Due to a sharp decrease in the number of flu patients
seen at The William W. Backus Hospital, officials canceled visitor
restrictions that had been in place to control the spread of seasonal
and H1N1 flu viruses.
The number of patients seen in the Emergency Department with flu-like
symptoms between Nov. 27 and Dec. 1 was nine. There were 124 patients
in the ER over a five-day period in early November.
Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Karen Long and Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Peter Shea lifted the restrictions Wednesday afternoon. Previously anyone 18 and under or anyone with flu symptoms were asked not to visit patients at the hospital, and additional restrictions were in place for the birthing center.
While those restrictions no longer remain, patients with flu-like symptoms are still asked to not come to the hospital unless they are severely ill or have underlying medical conditions. If they do come to the hospital for treatment they should wear masks and wash their hands. Stations with masks and hand hygiene products are in place throughout the hospital.
"While the news of a decrease in flu patients is encouraging, we should continue to remain on the alert for flu," said Shea. "We can't let our guard down just yet."
Dr. Shea said most patients with flu-like symptoms do not need to visit the ER. He said for most people, simply staying home and resting is the best thing to do unless you have underlying medical conditions or severe symptoms.
Simple prevention steps can be taken to limit spreading the flu, including:
- Getting a flu shot where they are available. The hospital does not have seasonal or swine flu shots available for the public. If you are seeking an H1N1 vaccine, speak with your personal physician first and if they are not available call the Uncas Health District at 823-1189 ext. 113 or email doh@uncashd.org
- Wash your hands.
- Cover your cough.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Stay calm and informed. Visit backushospital.org/flu for the latest updates.