Coshocton Hospital implements visitor restrictions for flu season
COSHOCTON – With the increase in confirmed flu cases in Coshocton and surrounding counties, Coshocton Hospital has taken an important step in protecting patients from the virus by putting visitor restrictions in place. The restrictions take effect immediately, and include limiting visitors to immediate family members only who are 18 years of age or older. Only children under age 18 who are seeking medical treatment or evaluation should come to the hospital. Anyone with a fever and/or flu-like symptoms should not visit hospital patients.
The hospital visitation restrictions are in place to protect those who are most susceptible to experiencing complications from the flu. Children are not as likely as adults to exercise preventive measures such as frequent hand-washing, and may carry the flu virus to a patient whose health condition limits his or her ability to fight the effects of the flu. Since children are also at risk for developing serious complications from the flu, it is best to leave them at home with a caregiver unless they need medical care or evaluation at the hospital or emergency room.
“Influenza is a serious illness that kills thousands annually and puts more than 200,000 people in hospitals each year,” said Roxanne Potter, RN, BSN, infection control coordinator. “Limiting potential exposure to the virus helps keep our patients safe from this serious illness and its life-threatening complications.”
Potter recommends following these important guidelines to avoid getting the flu:
- Get your flu vaccine; it is not too late as the seasonal flu can last into May
- Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand gel
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue to cough or sneeze, then discard the tissue in a waste basket and wash your hands
- Stay at home if you’re sick. If symptoms persist, call your physician.
Visitation restrictions are posted at all hospital entrances for your review. If you have questions about the flu, check the hospital website at www.ccmh.com. The visitation restrictions will stay in effect through the peak months of the flu season until the high risk of patient exposure to the virus has passed.
Category: People & Places
