Logan Memorial Hospital has taken several steps in response of an influx of patients suffering from seasonal flu. Effective immediately, Logan Memorial Hospital will no longer allow children or teenagers to visit patients admitted to our hospital. This applies to siblings, family members and friends who are UNDER the age of 18. This does not apply to a parent or guardian staying with their child during hospitalization.
This visitation policy is in effect, and will continue for an undetermined amount of time as hospital officials monitor the presence of seasonal flu in our community.
“Our goal is to provide the safest environment for our patients.We appreciate the community joining us in our effort to keep the risk of exposure to a minimum,” said Chief Nursing Officer Julia Murphy.
Visitors with a cough, fever, sore throat, body aches or other flu-like symptoms are asked not to visit patients.Patients presenting to the hospital for care are required to visit a respiratory etiquette station before proceeding throughout the facility. Respiratory etiquette stations have been set up in the Main Lobby, ED waiting and the Surgery Center waiting areas. The stations consist of hand sanitizer, mask, and tissues.
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. If you have the flu, take note of the following precautions to speed your recovery as well as to avoid contaminating others:
- Stay at home for seven days after your symptoms appear or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer, except to seek medical care.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink clear fluids.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands often, especially after using tissues or coughing into your hand. Remember that some viruses and bacteria can live on surfaces like doorknobs and furniture for up to two hours!
- Wear a facemask if sharing common areas with family members.
- Avoid close contact with others – do not go to work or school when ill.
- Check with your healthcare provider about whether you should take antiviral medications.
- Seek emergency care immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
· difficulty breathing or chest pain
· purple or blue discoloration of the lips
· vomiting to the point of being unable to keep liquids down
· signs of dehydration, such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination or in infants, lack of tears when crying
· seizures