Tag: Flu epidemic

Hospitals Deal with Widespread Flu Activity

Earlier this month the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared a flu epidemic in the nation and named West Virginia a state with widespread flu activity. Now some hospitals in the eastern panhandle are taking extra precautions to make sure the virus doesn’t spread in their facilities.

University Healthcare Berkeley Medical Center and Jefferson Medical Center are adjusting policies to account for a flu outbreak. The two hospitals have made changes to patient visitation policies.

The changes include allowing only one permanent guest that is not noticeably sick per patient for decision making and support. No visitors are allowed that are experiencing a fever or cough and some restrictions are being put on visitors under 18. Visitation at both hospitals is now limited to two guests per patient including the permanent guest, between the hours of 9-11 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.

A release from the hospitals says visitor restrictions are temporary, but will remain in place till the hospitals feel comfortable lifting the restrictions.

Officials Discuss Flu Prevention in West Virginia Schools

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared a flu epidemic last week, with West Virginia among the states with widespread activity. Officials met at a Charleston elementary school today to discuss flu prevention now that schools are back in session.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet Secretary, Karen Bowling and the State Superintendent of Schools, Michael Martirano announced a partnership in education efforts to fight the flu epidemic in West Virginia Schools. The press conference was held at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School.

Superintendent, Martirano says this partnership and the resources it offers are critical to the health of students statewide.

“Everybody needs to take a role in this. We want to make certain that our young people are healthy, happy, and safe. And so, we want to make sure our staff is in that same category, so if individuals are feeling ill, they need to make certain they’re getting the medical treatment necessary. Also, doing the preventative aspects of getting the immunization, but then also trying not to transmit those germs as well by virtue of a lot of hand washing; a lot of preventative aspects, so we want to educate our young people about that, so that we can keep them in school.”

The partnership also asks educators, students, and parents to pledge their support in preventing the spread of the flu. Martirano and Dr. Rahul Gupta the Bureau for Public Health Commissioner and State Health Officer say the pledge explains three vital things: to wash hands frequently, to cover your cough, and to sneeze into your sleeve if you don’t have a tissue on hand.

Gupta also explained by getting your flu vaccination, wiping down frequently touched surfaces with a disinfectant, and staying home when you’re sick, helps to further prevent the spread of the flu.

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