The Flu Season Has Arrived – What You can do to Prevent the Spread of Germs
According to the Center for Disease Control, the winter season is when the flu virus most commonly hits. Although it is common for seasonal outbreaks, most flu activity peaks between the months of December and February.
Carried by germs spread through coughing and sneezing, shaking hands, or simply talking, an individual with the flu can spread up to 20,000 flu germs into the air, making others in close proximity susceptible to catching the virus. Those carrying the flu virus may infect others one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.
The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the most important step in protecting against flu viruses beginning at six months of age. Among the most important candidates for receiving an influenza vaccination are young children, pregnant women, and adults 65 and older. Flu vaccinations can be received at local medical offices and pharmacies. The Iowa Department of Public Health recommends practicing the ‘Three C’s’ to stop the spread of germs; cover your cough, clean your hands, contain germs when sick.
Keeping patients, visitors, and employees healthy at BCHC is a top priority of the organization. In order to do so, BCHC is asking for the public’s cooperation during the flu season to prevent the spread of influenza in its facilities.
During the flu season, BCHC urges patients, visitors, and volunteers with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose, or sore throat to practice the following when on the BCHC campus:
Patients:
- If possible, reschedule your appointment or surgery
- If unable to reschedule your appointment, please wash your hands at a cleaning station and wear a provided mask
- If you have not received a flu vaccination for the year, ask your doctor or nurse about receiving the vaccination during your stay
- If you need to be seen in the ER and have flu-like symptoms, please aware the staff of your arrival and symptoms by calling ahead if possible at 319-332-099. When you arrive, sanitize your hands and wear a mask provided near the entrances.
Visitors/Volunteers:
- Do not visit friends and family at BCHC if you have flu-like symptoms; fever, cough sneezing, runny nose and/or sore throat
- If visiting patients with the flu, please wash your hands at the cleaning station and wear provided masks
BCHC appreciates the cooperation from patients and visitors during this season as they strive to provide efficient and quality care. For more information, please contact BCHC at 319-332-0999, visit bchealth.org, or follow ‘Buchanan County Health Center’ on Facebook.