Franciscan Alliance hospitals in Lake County, Indiana, adopt visitor restrictions to prevent flu spread

Franciscan Alliance hospitals in Lake County, Indiana, have adopted temporary visitor restrictions in an effort to help prevent spread of the influenza virus.

The measures, effective at Franciscan St. Anthony Health - Crown Point, Franciscan St. Margaret Health- Dyer and Hammond and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster include:

• People exhibiting flu-like symptoms are asked to not come to the hospitals to visit. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, or fever of more than 100 degrees.
• Visitors under age 18 will not be permitted.
• No more than two persons at a time may visit a patient and visiting hours will be strictly enforced.
• Visitors are asked to sanitize their hands before coming into the hospitals and to wash their hands often, especially before entering a patient’s room and upon leaving. Hospitals are equipped with hand sanitizer units, as well.
• Reading materials and toys in many cases have been removed from waiting rooms.

Visitors are thanked for their cooperation to help the hospitals minimize the impact of the virus.

Additional Resources

For more information about the flu, please choose a topic:

• In-Depth Report: Colds and the flu
• Questions to ask your doctor - adult or child
• Influenza Vaccine

Videos

• The Difference Between a Cold and the Flu
• Tips on Buying Cold and Flu Medicine
• What Should I Do If My Child Has the Flu?

The Flu and You

It's that time of year again. Sick children, ill adults and the never ending attempt to prevent yourself from getting the flu. Influenza, known as "flu" for short, is back in season. Remember that you can greatly decrease your risk of getting the flu through a vaccination within the Franciscan Alliance.

Influenza, while common, is a serious and contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. Flu strains are constantly changing, creating the need for an annual vaccination to help the body resist new strains.

Cover your mouth and wash your hands! Experts believe that the flu virus is spread mainly through droplets when people cough, sneeze or talk. People can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest a three step approach to preventing the flu, with the first step being vaccination.

Second, take everyday actions to help prevent the spread of germs that can cause respiratory illnesses. Do this by:

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Washing your hands with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand rub
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals
• Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading the virus to others

Third, the CDC recommends that you take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Antiviral drugs work best if taken within the first two days of symptoms to treat those who are very sick. Be sure to see a doctor if you begin to have symptoms reflective of influenza.

To find the closest Franciscan Alliance flu vaccination provider,  call (800)931-3322.

Dec. 5-11: National Handwashing Week - Tips and Instructions

December 5-11, 2010, is National Handwashing Awareness Week. ‘Tis the season for colds and the flu, and because they are easily spread, you should always be mindful of when and how you should properly wash your hands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands. The CDC offers the following recommendations for proper handwashing to prevent illness at home, at school and at work:

When should you wash your hands?

• Before and after preparing food
• Before and after eating food
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• Before and after tending to someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating a cut or wound

When washing hands with soap and water:

• Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.
• Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
• Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse hands well under running water.
• Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.

Remember: If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based gel (at least 60% alcohol) to clean hands.

When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

• Apply product to the palm of one hand, using the amount of product indicated on the label.
• Rub hands together.
• Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention