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Flu Season is Here

Flu Season is Here

CMH has implemented safety measures to prevent the spread of influenza. In response to the outbreak of influenza in our area, CMH is temporarily adopting a new visitor policy, until further notice. Visiting children, age 18 and younger will be restricted access to the Hospital building for the health and safety of our patients and caregivers.

Children are presenting with flu-like symptoms at an increasing rate in our region and may be incubating the disease for up to 24 hours before feeling ill. Special considerations will be made for children of critically-ill family members. These will be addressed on a case-by-case basis with appropriate precautions.

“Our hospital and the Health Center have respiratory hygiene cough etiquette in the waiting areas, with signs posted reminding people to cover their coughs, wash their hands and wear masks if necessary, “ said Mike Grisdale, CMH Director of Public Relations. “ We also have put measures in place to limit visitors as the situation develops. We do not want people visiting if they are feeling ill.”

We are seeing an increased amount of respiratory illnesses in our clinics, emergency department and our Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic. Many are presenting with flu-like symptoms.

When to go to the doctor? If you feel you have flu-like symptoms and fall into a high risk category, you should see your health care provider. (See list below)

When to seek emergency care? If you are experiencing severe flu symptoms you need to seek immediate medical attention. (See list below)

Most of those suffering from the current outbreak of the flu will probably be sick for several days with fever and respiratory symptoms.

For more information on guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, check out their website at www.flu.gov.

THOSE AT HIGH RISK

These individuals that develop flu-like symptoms should see a doctor:

· Children younger than 2 years old

· Adults 65 and older

· Pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks postpartum

· Persons with the following conditions:

-Chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders

-Disorders that can compromise respiratory function

-Immunosuppression, including that caused by medication or by HIV

SEVERE FLU SYMPTOMS

Seek immediate medical attention if your child experiences any of the following:

· Fast Breathing or trouble breathing

· Bluish or gray skin color

· Not drinking enough fluids

· Severe or persistent vomiting

· Not waking up or interacting

· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

· Sudden dizziness

· Confusion

· Severe or persistent vomiting

· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Kathleen Van't Hof is the Director of Quality & Patient Safety at CMH. You can contact her office at (231) 627-1272.

For information on upcoming vaccination clinics, contact the District 4 Health Department, (231) 627-8850 or visit their website, www.dhd4.org.

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Cheboygan
Memorial
Hospital
748 S. Main Street
Cheboygan, MI 49721
231-627-5601
800-866-9196