SVMC Issues Flu Alert and Visitor Policy Update
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BENNINGTON, Vt. — The Southwestern Vermont Medical Center community and other parts of the country are experiencing a significant increase in influenza and flu-like viral infections.
To help protect the community, patients and staff, SVMC has temporarily restricted its Visitor Policy, requesting that people who have the flu or flu-like symptoms not visit patients. These symptoms include cough, fever, diarrhea, rash, or known exposure to a contagious illness in the past 14 days. Additionally, no visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed in the hospital until further notice.
Anyone who has these symptoms and due to extenuating circumstances must visit a patient will be required to obtain a mask on entry to the hospital and to follow these recommendations:
• Wash or sanitize your hands before and after visiting.
• Stay in the patient’s hospital room. Do not visit other patients.• Limit visitors to a maximum of two visitors per patient room at any time.
In addition, SVMC recommends that everyone get the flu vaccine if they have not already done so this season. The vaccine is available at physician offices and at many local pharmacies. Although the vaccine this year is not a full match with the strain of influenza, it provides a significant amount of immunity and still can reduce the severity of illness.
Tags: influenza, SVMC,
