January 19, 2018 – Due to the high incidence of flu, we are imposing a visitor restriction for no children aged 12 and under in patient areas until further notice; and we are going to close the double doors by the public elevator on the 2nd floor where the Medical-Surgical Unit is located at Delta Health, stated Jody Roeber, Chief Clinical Officer at Delta Health.
Flu season in Colorado is peaking currently and we are experiencing more flu cases in Delta County as well, commented Jessica Walters, Infection Prevention Nurse at Delta Health.
If you are ill please do not come to see patients in the hospital. If you need to come to the hospital for other reasons, then please use masks which are available for your use in the front lobby as another preventative measure to spreading infectious viruses and bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Take Three Actions to Fight the Flu:
1) Stop Germs (wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer)
2) Vaccinate
3) Antiviral Drugs if your provider prescribes them
Additional facts about the flu which may be helpful from the CDC include:
Flu is a respiratory illness caused by the flu virus that can infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Complications of flu may be bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions.
Symptoms of the Flu – fever, or feeling feverish or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue. Some people may have vomiting or diarrhea, though this is more common in young children.
Flu spreads through tiny droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.
Period of Contagiousness – You may be able to pass the flu virus on to someone before you know you are ill, as well as while you are sick. People with the flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins, some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and 5-7 days after becoming sick. From the time a person is infected with the flu virus to when symptoms begin is an average of 1-4 days.
People at High Risk From the Flu – Anyone can get the flu and serious problems related to the flu may happen at any age, but some people are at high risk of serious flu-related complications if they get sick including people 65 years and older, people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes, pregnant women and young children.
For additional information please refer to the following CDC websites:
CDC: Flu Key Facts
CDC: Flu Prevention
