As flu season approaches, healthcare officials are anticipating a challenge of battling the flu and COVID-19 simultaneously. With the potential for overwhelmed healthcare systems and increased strain on resources, hospitals and organizations like the American Red Cross are taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact.
This blog post will explore the current flu symptoms in 2023, the differences between COVID-19 and the flu, the importance of getting a flu shot (especially for those without insurance), and how primary healthcare centers like East Georgia Healthcare Center are adapting to the influenza outbreak. Stay informed and protected by reading on.
Due to the recent outbreak of the flu, Prisma Health has implemented changes to its visitation policy to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients and staff. It is our top priority to provide a safe and healing environment for all individuals who enter our facilities.
Effective immediately, all visitors will be subject to a screening process upon entering our facilities. This will include a series of questions regarding recent travel, symptoms of illness, and potential exposure to the flu virus.
Visitors who exhibit any flu-like symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the flu will be kindly asked to refrain from visiting until they are no longer contagious.
In addition to the screening process, we ask that all visitors practice proper hand hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, which is readily available throughout our facilities.
It is important to remember that the flu is highly contagious and can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. By practicing good hand hygiene, we can help minimize the risk of spreading the virus.
We understand that these changes may be inconvenient for some, but we believe it is necessary to protect the health and well-being of our patients, many of whom have compromised immune systems.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our staff who will be more than happy to assist you.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in helping us provide the highest quality of care to our patients. Together, we can prevent the spread of the flu and ensure the health and safety of all individuals within our facilities.