Document text
The flu season has arrived in Jackson County, prompting visitor restrictions at local hospitals and reminders from health officials that it’s not too late to get a flu shot. Public health and hospital officials warned Monday that influenza, commonly known as the flu, is circulating widely in the county. A contagious respiratory disease, the flu can cause mild to severe illness — and for some, death. Dr. Jason Kuhl, chief medical officer for Providence Medford Medical Center, said the most important thing people can do to prevent the spread of the flu is to get a vaccination. “That’s the best thing we can do for both their individual health and the community health,” Kuhl said. Last winter, an estimated 80,000 Americans died of the flu and its complications, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Many of those were preventable,” said Dr. Jamie Grebosky, chief quality and patient safety officer for Asante. “Even one influenza death is too many, and we had 80,000. I encourage everyone to get their influenza vaccination who is medically able.” Flu vaccinations are available at health care providers, through Jackson County Public Health and at many pharmacies. To find a flu vaccine clinic, see flu.oregon.gov and go to the Flu Vaccine Finder to enter a zip code. With flu on the rise, local hospitals have visitor restrictions in place at Providence Medford Medical Center and Asante hospitals in Medford, Ashland and Grants Pass. Hospital employees and visitors who have not been vaccinated are being asked to wear masks, officials at both hospital systems said. Unlike other states with more stringent vaccination regulations, Oregon has a relatively low vaccination rate, prompting the mask requirement, Grebosky said. People who are infected with the flu can be shedding the virus even before symptoms emerge, he said. Local hospitals are also putting limits on visitors younger than 12, unless they are immediate family members of patients. Providence is issuing handouts about visitor restrictions designed to keep patients, family members and employees from spreading or getting the flu. Only visitors who are essential to a patient’s emotional well-being and care are allowed in the intensive care, maternity and oncology units. The visitation restrictions do not apply to patients receiving end-of-life care. Visitors with cold or flu-like symptoms are asked to stay home unless they are essential caregivers or the parents of a child patient. Staff members will give masks, gowns and gloves to essential caregivers and parents who are feeling ill. Patients who enter the hospital with a fever plus a cough or sore throat should wear masks, which are available at hospital entrances. Everyone at the hospital is encouraged to wash their hands frequently and use hand-sanitizing gel, which is available throughout the building. Jackson County health officials said the flu is different than a cold. It usually comes on suddenly and produces symptoms that include a fever or feeling feverish or chilled, coughing, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Some people, especially children, may have vomiting and diarrhea, health officials said. If someone thinks they have the flu, they should visit their primary health care provider or an urgent care clinic to potentially be placed on anti-viral medication, Kuhl said. He said medication has to be given early to be most effective at shortening the length of the flu and reducing symptoms. People at higher risk of severe illness from the flu include those 65 and older, children, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions or weak immune systems, health officials said. Those with weakened immune systems should try to stay home and avoid public places during flu season, Kuhl advised. Anyone with flu symptoms should stay home to avoid infecting others, or wear a mask if they must go out, he said. In addition to getting a flu shot, people can take steps to avoid getting or spreading the flu. County health officials recommend covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throwing the tissue away. Avoid getting coughed and sneezed upon. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may have flu germs on them. Reach Mail Tribune reporter Vickie Aldous at 541-776-4486 or [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter @VickieAldous .