UPDATED 1:15 P.M. ON JANUARY 14.
Levels of influenza in the local area have reached a high enough level that Elk Regional Health Center officials have restricted visitation for patients and residents. But while the level of influenza being seen is high, officials say it’s not cause for alarm.
As of January 11, the Health Center officials have restricted visitation for patients of the Health Center and residents of Pinecrest Manor, Elk Regional’s long-term care facility, to immediate adult family members only. No children under the age of 18 will be permitted to visit any patient or resident until further notice.
In addition, visitation to the Health Center's Maternity Unit is now restricted to ONLY parents and grandparents. No other adult family members, and no children, regardless of their relationship to the patient, may visit the Maternity Unit until further notice.
“This is simply a precautionary measure,” said Joe Fleming, the Infection Control Officer at Elk Regional Health Center. “This is a standard response to the high levels of influenza we are currently experiencing.”
Mr. Fleming said the strain of influenza that is the most prevalent, both locally and nationally, is the H3N2 strain. This strain was included in this year’s batch of influenza vaccinations.
“Four or five new positive flu cultures come through our Laboratory every day from patients in both inpatient and outpatient care,” Mr. Fleming said. “A very small percentage of these patients require hospitalization. While we haven’t seen levels this high in about a decade, the situation is not cause for alarm. We are monitoring the situation very closely. If it worsens, we have plans in place to adapt.”
Elk Regional Health Center has taken a proactive approach to the flu season. Last year, prior to the start of flu season, the Health Center held a successful vaccination program for its employees. In addition, face masks and hand sanitizer are available to visitors who come to the Health Center or Pinecrest Manor.
Influenza, or the “flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by the influenza virus. When people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk, droplets of moisture from these actions can be inhaled and can infect people up to six feet away.
Unlike the common cold, the flu can come on abruptly. Flu symptoms include a high fever of up to 104 degrees and extreme fatigue. An individual may also suffer from a sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, muscle aches and a cough. Some children may exhibit vomiting and diarrhea.
Most individuals who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some individuals will develop complications as a result of the flu. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from the flu.
“We very strongly recommend that people who have not gotten flu shot should do so,” Mr. Fleming said. “Even now, the vaccine would still be effective.”
Mr. Fleming said that the flu vaccination is appropriate for anyone who is six months of age or older and who is not allergic to egg proteins and does not have a history of Guillian-Barre Syndrome.
Since the start of flu season, Elk Regional Health Center has vaccinated approximately 700 individuals. To check the availability of influenza vaccinations, residents can contact their family physician or a local pharmacy.
In addition to the flu vaccine, hand washing also plays a very important role in prevention of the flu. Individuals should wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
In the event that you contract influenza, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. If symptoms prevail, consult your family physician or visit the Med Express Center at Elk Regional’s Ridgway campus or Q Care on the first floor of the Medical Office Building at our St. Marys campus. The Med Express Center is open from 9 am until 7 p.m., seven days a week and Q Care is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
