Flu outbreak prompts birthplace restrictions

Posted

BY PCC STAFF

FORT MADISON - Officials at Fort Madison Community Hospital announced Friday that visitation restrictions are now in place at the FMCH Birthplace and postpartum suites.

According to a release from community relations manager Angie Budnik, Birthplace visitors will be temporarily limited to the following people: Coach or significant other; immediate grandparents who do not display any flu like symptoms; and siblings that are 72 hours symptom free from the following: fever, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, rash or persistent runny nose.

Budnik said the restriction will last until the threat of increased exposure has passed.

FMCH team members are following the CDC’s guidelines, as well as internal infection control procedures to help protect patients, employees and hospital visitors.

In addition, the hospital is also requesting that anyone experiencing any of the symptoms of the flu including: fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, refrain from visiting both inpatient and outpatient surgery areas of the hospital.

People who have influenza can be contagious beginning one day before symptoms develop, and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for longer time periods

The hospital recommends that residents wash hands frequently with soap and water; if soap and water are not available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Spreading the flu virus can be reduced by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and then sanitize your hands or cough and sneeze into your elbow if a tissue is not available. Avoid close contact with sick people and void touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs spread this way.

If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit close contact with others for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone, to help prevent spreading the virus.

A flu shot is also still recommended.

Birthplace, flu restrictions, FMCH, fort madison, Fort Madison Community Hospital, influenza, Pen City Current

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here