According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) during the first week of January 2015, the levels of influenza in the United States remained elevated.  You may have noticed that even more people in your community are coming down with the flu this year compared to last year.  In fact, New Hampshire has seen a steady increase this flu season in the number of patients visiting clinics and emergency rooms due to this illness.

The flu is easily spread from coughs, sneezes or simply talking.  In fact, a sneeze from one person with the flu can spread up to 20,000 flu germs into the air. Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others.

At Speare Memorial Hospital, the health and well-being of our patients, visitors and staff is our highest priority.  That is why we’re asking you to help prevent the spread of the flu in our hospital and ensure everyone’s safety during this very busy flu season.

PATIENTS

If you are a patient with a cough, fever or other flu-like symptoms please;

• Go to the Purell stand, clean your hands and put on a mask

VISITORS

Please Do Not Visit The Hospital If You Have Symptoms Of The Flu.  Signs of the flu include fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose and/or sore throat.

If you are visiting a family member or friend and they have the flu we recommend that you

• Clean your hands and wear a mask when you visit. The flu vaccine is not as effective this year and even people who have been vaccinated can get, and spread, the flu.
• Masks are available on the Purell stand. Remember to remove your mask and then clean your hands when you leave the patient’s room.

Together, we can prevent the spread of the flu this season.