Swine flu threat prompts hospital to adopt policy regarding visitations

Upstate Carolina Medical Center (UCMC) is taking no chances when it comes to the H1N1 virus, enforcing a new set of guidelines with the purpose of protecting hospital staff and patients, as well as visitors to the facility.

Children 18 years of age and younger, as well as those with flu-like symptoms are advised not to visit the medical facility, according to the policy that went into effect Monday.

However, exceptions will be made on a caseby case basis.

UCMC officials made the decision based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in hope of controlling the virus, which is more commonly referred to as swine flu.

“We will continue to be vigilant with our efforts to provide a safe environment, which is why we encourage the public to take these measures to prevent the spread of viruses,“ said Upstate Carolina Medical Center CEO Joe Howell in a prepared statement. “The new recommendations we have implemented will help safeguard our patients, staff and community.”

Any changes made in the areas of treatment or policies will be based on recommendations coming down from the CDC, he added.

Prior to the outbreak of the swine flu in South Carolina and other portions of the country, the hospital did not have a policy in place to help prevent is spread.

“Prior to April when the swine flu first started to pop up, we didn’t have a policy, though we did place signs outside the doors of certain patients’ rooms asking people not to come visit them,” said Kelly Morris, UCMC Director of Infection Control. “But when we started to notice the virus has a tendency to target those younger in age, a policy became necessary.”

Though the medical facility has seen cases of the swine flu, symptoms have been relatively mild, Morris said. “Fortunately, no one has come to visit the hospital or the room of a patient with the disease. But still, we have to keep watch to make sure we minimize its spread,” she added.

Like many other health care facilities nationwide, UCMC is awaiting the first doses of a vaccine CDC officials believe will help protect millions from the H1N1 strain of the flu that has caused an estimated 600 deaths and more than 9,000 hospitalizations worldwide.

“We’re awaiting word from DHEC (Department of Health and Environmental Control), Morris said. “I know they took orders last week, but they will be the ones to let everyone know how much vaccine they will get and when they will receive it.”

Flu-like symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, body aches and nausea. UCMC is also advising those with flu-like symptoms to remain within the confines of their homes until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever.

“Many citizens don’t know when they should come to the hospital once flu-like symptoms appear,” Morris said. “Individuals should see their family physician for guidance on whether or not they are a candidate for antiviral medication and not go to the emergency room unless it is a true emergency such as trouble breathing.”

For those dropping in to see patients at UCMC, Morris advises them to wash their hands or use alcohol-based solutions before and after their visits.

“Hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the transmission of a variety of diseases including the influenza virus,” Morris said.

Masks are also available upon request at the hospital.

BE ‘BUG-FREE’

WASH YOUR hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

STAY HOME when sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends.

COUGH OR sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.

EAT A balanced diet, drink plenty of water and get adequate rest and exercise.