Visitors Urged to Avoid Hospital During Flu Season (February 17, 2005)

(Marinette, Wis.) – As flu season is reaching its peak in our area, Bay Area Medical Center is asking the public to limit visits to the hospital.

Bay Area is experiencing a period of high patient census, which typically brings with it a higher number of visitors according the Bay Area Chief Operating Officer Bernie VanCourt. "We ask visitors to remember that people who are in the hospital are sick or recovering and that patients need long periods to rest or to participate in procedures or therapies. Catching the flu or other infectious illness can have a devastating effect on anyone who is already ill. Our patients are also more susceptible to develop pneumonia due to lower resistance to infection.”

Flu season generally runs from November through March, with peaks typical in January or February. Spread from person-to-person through coughs and sneezes, symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are much more common among children with the flu.

"We are certainly seeing a rise in patients with the flu as well as pneumonia in both our emergency room and on our patient floors," VanCourt said. "For the comfort and well being of these patients we are asking the public to cooperate with us as we take care of them."

Here are a couple more suggestions about being a visitor at the hospital during this time:

• Does the patient want visitors? People are generally at their worst in the hospital and would prefer rest and privacy. Please ask first. The average patient stays in the hospital for approximately three days. It may be more appropriate to visit the patient after he/she leaves the hospital.
   
• Absolutely avoid visiting if you are ill. If you know you have been exposed to illness, you could spread disease to others. If your visit is absolutely necessary, please stop by our registrations desk for a mask.
   
• Ask about our rules for visiting. If your friend or loved one has or may have a disease spread by skin-to-skin contact, by droplet or through the air, your contact may be limited. Ask the health care staff for guidance.
   
• Make your visit short. Your prolonged presence may be tiring for the patient. Remember the hospital is place for people to recover from a serious illness and rest is one of the most important ingredients to recovery.