Redmond Family Care Center leaders have notified us that they are seeing significant numbers of patients with the flu at Redmond Family Care Centers in West Rome and Cedartown.  In fact, several staff members currently out with the flu.

Dr. Ed Meier, ROH’s Medical Director, has reported that patients being seen for non-flu treatment are returning 3 – 4 days later with flu symptoms possibly from exposure at their first visit. Therefore, Redmo0nd advises postponing Occupational Health services and non-emergency visits when possible to avoid exposure to the flu and the gastrointestinal virus.

Ways to prevent the spread of influenza:

• Good hand hygiene (wash with soap & water, use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap & water are not available)
• Respiratory hygiene & cough etiquette (Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.  Tie trash bag in knot & throw away frequently)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you or your child gets sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you (or your child) stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice. This may include information about how to increase distance between people and other measures.

Workplace Prevention:

For additional information including workplace flu prevention strategies: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday_preventive.pdf  or http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm