Uptick in RSV and Influenza in the Community Prompts the Action
[January 4, 2015 Fergus Falls, MN] Due to wide-spread RSV and influenza in the community, Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) is restricting visitors to the hospital. Effective immediately, LRH has instituted temporary restrictions on hospital visitors until the outbreak subsides.
Patient visitation is being restricted to immediate family above the age of 18 and joint-care patient coaches only. As always, immediate family members who are ill should not visit patients in the hospital.
This initiative is in response to an increasing number of individuals in our region who have been hospitalized for RSV or influenza or who have presented to the ER, walk-in clinic and clinics with flu-like symptoms.
The restrictions are necessary to ensure patients are not put at unnecessary risk. “We are committed to protecting your loved ones while they are in our care,” said Infection Prevention Coordinator for LRH, Terri Anderson. “In addition to protecting patients, we believe that by being proactive, we can also help promote a healthier community during this influenza season,” she added.
In addition to the restrictions, we can all make a difference to help reduce the spread of influenza by:
- Getting vaccinated – it’s not too late to get your flu shot
- Washing your hands regularly and vigorously for a minimum of 20-seconds
- Covering your coughs and sneezes
- Staying at home if you are sick
- Contacting your health care provider if you or a family member has flu-like symptoms.
The visiting restrictions will be assessed daily and will be lifted when it is safe to do so. Lake Region Healthcare thanks the public, family and friends for their understanding and assistance.
About Lake Region Healthcare
Lake Region Healthcare is living out its vision to be Minnesota's preeminent regional healthcare partner. With over 80 physicians and over 900 employees, its team is dedicated to serving its patients and community with integrity, teamwork, compassion and excellence. For more information about Lake Region Healthcare, visit www.lrhc.org.
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