January 13, 2018

Widespread flu prompts visitor guidelines at Marshall Medical hospitals

Alabama is experiencing widespread influenza (flu) activity, and hospitals are at or over normal patient capacity due in large part to the number of patients presenting with seasonal influenza-like symptoms. Emergency departments and outpatient clinics are also seeing very high volumes of patients. At this time, this is not a pandemic flu situation, but a major seasonal flu situation. 

Marshall Medical has implemented Visitor Restrictions in all its medical facilities. People with flu symptoms are asked not to visit hospital patients, based on the following symptoms:

• Fever

• Body Aches

• Headache

• Severe Weakness

• Cough

• Sore Throat

• Runny or Stuffy Nose

• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

Also, it is recommended that children under the age of 12 do not visit hospitals. 

To avoid getting and spreading the flu, the Alabama Department of Public Health urges the public to take the following Fight the Flu actions:

• Get flu vaccine, it is not too late

• Stay at home if you have a fever

• Wash your hands

• Cover your cough and sneezes

• Clean and disinfect

• Learn home care

Flu can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly, based on symptoms listed above.

For people with mild to moderate flu or flu-like symptoms, please do not go to your doctor’s office without calling first and do not go to the emergency room. Please call your doctor to see if you are eligible for antivirals without an appointment. Many insurance companies now have a “call a provider” service to help you with mild to moderate illnesses, please take advantage of this service before going to doctor or hospital. Mild to moderate cases of the flu usually do not require a hospital visit. Patients who do visit an emergency department or outpatient clinic should be aware of long wait times. 

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For More Information Contact:

Marshall Medical Centers

Rose Myers

(256)571-8018