Riverwood Healthcare Center is not yet seeing an unusually high rate of influenza cases like some communities in the southern part of Minnesota at this time, but the organization is urging some precautionary steps.
From Dec. 31 through Jan. 8, Riverwood has confirmed 30 cases of influenza among those treated for flu-like symptoms in the hospital and its emergency department, urgent care clinic and Aitkin clinic. During the same period, there were three cases of influenza among patients treated for flu-like symptoms at the Riverwood Garrison clinic and zero among patients treated at the McGregor clinic. Five of these influenza patients were hospitalized.
“We are not restricting hospital visitors yet, however, we are urging anyone with flu-like symptoms of a fever, cough, sore throat or with a sick family member NOT to visit Riverwood hospital patients,” says Barb Fulton, clinic and outpatient services manager at Riverwood. “Those who do visit hospital patients should thoroughly wash their hands before and after their visit to avoid the spread of germs. We will continue to closely monitor and evaluate whether hospital visitor restrictions need to be put in place as we move further into the flu season.”
There are other precautions Riverwood is taking at this point to help prevent the spread of the flu virus. To protect patient safety, all magazines and reading materials have been pulled for clinic and hospital lobbies for a temporary period during the flu season, which typically lasts through March. So consider bringing your own reading materials to clinic appointments as desired.
If you come to a medical clinic appointment with flu-like symptoms of coughing and sneezing or are accompanying a patient who has these symptoms:
- Ask for a mask at Riverwood clinic or hospital reception desk and wear it until you leave the facility.
- For hand hygiene, use the antibacterial hand cleaning solution that is available at the front desk areas as well.
- Sit further away from others to avoid exposing them to the virus you may have. Cough droplets can spread in a 3-foot area around your body.
- Cover your cough by coughing into your sleeve or a disposable tissue.
Flu vaccine is still available and can reduce your risk of getting influenza. To schedule a flu shot nurse appointment, call Riverwood clinic’s appointment line or toll-free at (888) 270-1882. Flu vaccine is also available from Aitkin County Health & Human Services. For a flu shot appointment, call (218) 927-7200. To see more information on influenza and steps to protect your health, go to www.co.aitkin.mn.us