Because of a high level of concern for the health of our patients and staff during the influenza season, Decatur County Memorial Hospital is limiting visitor access beginning Wednesday, January 29, 2020.
Visitor Guidelines
- No visitors under the age of 14 are allowed in the hospital unless they are a patient (exceptions need to be cleared with the nursing supervisor).
- Any visitors with fever, cough, chills, or diarrhea should stay home.
- Anyone coming into the hospital with flu or cold symptoms will be required to wear a mask.
- Visitors and patients should cover their cough/sneeze (cough or sneeze into your sleeve).
- Visitors will be required to wear personal protective equipment such as gown, gloves, and a mask if visiting a patient in isolation.
Hand Hygiene
- Visitors and patients should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
- Hand sanitizer is the preferred method unless otherwise indicated (look for a sign near the patient’s door).
- Hand hygiene should be done before and after patient contact.
Flu prevention stations
Visitors and patients should take notice of the flu prevention stations that have been placed throughout the hospital. The stations include hand sanitizer, tissues, and face masks to help keep you safe. In the rare circumstances a visitor with influenza-like illness is permitted into the hospital, they will have to follow these rules: Wear a mask at all times while in the hospital, go directly to the patient’s room, and leave the hospital when the visit is complete.
Avoid the flu this season
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Improve your immunity to influenza by getting a flu shot! Each year the flu shot is developed for that particular season’s predictions regarding influenza. Flu shots are available FREE to all Decatur County residents through DCMH’s Immunization Clinic (a community benefit from our 340B Pharmacy program at DCMH) – open Tuesdays from 3-6pm or from any provider’s office. You are not too late! Flu shots are available to be give through March 31st.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.