MMH is Taking Extra Steps to Prevent the Spread of the Flu

The cold and flu season has peaked in recent weeks and Midland Memorial Hospital wants to ensure everyone is informed about how to detect and mange the flu virus. Midland Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department has seen a steady increase of cases that involve flu-like symptoms, and several steps are being taken to prevent the spread of illness in our facility, including: more frequent disinfection of Emergency Department areas and furniture, as well as distribution of face masks to all ER patients who have flu-like symptoms. MMH is also increasing signage in public areas regarding flu prevention and encouraging those with flu-like symptoms and children under the age of 14 not to visit patients in the hospital during this season.

The Centers for Disease Control has also put several standards in place to help prevent the virus from spreading. If you or a family member are suffering from flu-like symptoms such as fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, sore throat or nausea and vomiting, especially in children, the Centers for Disease Control suggests the following non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs):

• Please remember to wash your hands FREQUENTLY!!!
• Cover your coughs & sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. NOT your hands!
• Disinfect surfaces at work & at home. This includes your cell phone & keyboards
• Use social distancing (keep 6 feet (two arms length) away from others) for those coughing or sneezing
• Avoid crowds or shop at off hours

MMH’s emergency department is experiencing very high levels of activity at this time. Flu-like symptoms do not require an ER visit, unless you are experiencing complications associated with pneumonia, such as:

1. If at any time or in the next 24 hours symptoms worsen, esp. shortness of breath more than usual.
2. If younger than 5 years of age and especially if younger than 2 years of age with fast or trouble breathing, bluish/gray color of skin, not drinking enough fluids, severe or persistent vomiting, too restless to be held, not waking up or interacting, or flu symptoms improve but then return with fever or worse cough; see Primary Care Physician.
3. If older than 64 years of age with health conditions, i.e. Compromised Immune System, HIV, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Lung Disease, Asthma, COPD, Renal Disease, Sickle Cell, Liver Disease, morbidly obese; see Primary Care Physician.

These actions will help prevent the spread of the virus to others. If you are unsure if medical attention is necessary, please call 68 NURSE (866-686-8773) and speak with a qualified medical professional who can help make sure you get the care you need.