CMC Urges Precaution with Flu Season

Reduce Germs, Hospital Visits  Visit and Germ Precaution with Flu Season

Cumberland Medical Center urges you to help prevent the spread of germs this flu season. Children and seniors are more susceptible to the flu and should be closely monitored.  Because of this, children under the age of 12 are strongly encouraged not to visit the hospital during flu season.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity has increased significantly. Flu cases began climbing in December.

“We want to protect our patients and decrease the spread of flu and other illnesses that are easily transmitted through coughing, sneezing and direct contact from touching people and surfaces,” says Lisa Carter, infection preventionist with Cumberland Medical Center. “If a situation arises and you need to visit someone in the hospital, please ask our staff for a mask if you aren’t feeling well.”

If you experience flu-like symptoms such as: sore throat, headache, body aches, fever or cough, please reconsider personally interacting with others. Communicating by phone, electronically, or sending an e-card to Cumberland Medical Center patients by visiting www.cmchealthcare.org/cards are helpful ways to maintain communication and prevent the spread of germs.

Use these precautions to help you and your loved ones stay healthy:

  • Frequently wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or use your arm (avoid using your hand).
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces in your home often.
  • Drink plenty of fluids for hydration. Water is best.
  • Take over-the-counter medicine for symptoms and visit your primary care provider if you feel the need to do so.
  • Reduce your risk for getting infected by limiting public outings and avoiding large crowds.
  • Remember: children and seniors are more susceptible and should be monitored more closely.  Because of this, children under the age of 12 are strongly encouraged not to visit the hospital.
  • Those who are sick are encouraged not to return to work or school until they have been fever-free and/or respiratory symptom free for 24 hours.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting a flu shot annually.

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