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With the nation in the midst of a harsh flu season,
limits on visitation have now been put in place at all WestCare
facilities including Harris Regional Hospital, Swain County Hospital
and Mountain Trace Nursing Center.
"We don't like to impose these restrictions on the public,
but to keep you and our patients' safety in mind, we have set
up guidelines for our visitors," said Mark Leonard, WestCare's
president and CEO.
Hospital officials are asking that the public observe the following
guidelines to protect themselves from the flu this season:
- Anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms should refrain
from visiting the hospital: Fever, muscle aches, nasal congestion,
sore throat, dry cough.
- Children 12 and under should not visit the hospital during the
flu season.
- Restrict visitation to immediate family only.
- Remember that frequent hand-washing is the key to preventing
the spread of influenza.
- Whenever possible avoid close contact with people who are sick.
When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them
from becoming ill also.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
It may prevent those around you from becoming ill.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs are often spread
when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs
and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
"We, like hospitals all over the nation, have seen our share
of flu cases. By following these guidelines, you will protect
yourself, your family and your friends," Leonard said.
For more information on the flu virus, visit the Centers for Disease
Prevention and Control at www.cdc.gov.
For an update of the visitation policy at a WestCare facility,
call 586-7000 or visit www.westcare.org.
Mission Hospitals in Asheville is also restricting visitors to
immediate family because of the increasing numbers of flu illnesses.
The restriction began Friday and will continue as long as necessary.
Visitors from Jackson county are encouraged to call ahead before
coming to Mission to see if the restrictions are still in place.
They may call patient information at (828) 213-1050.
Mission patients may have visitors who are adults and members
of their immediate family; children are not allowed to visit.
"We know that is difficult for families who have a new baby,"
said Janet Moore, director of marketing and communications. "But
our highest priority is protecting the health of our visitors
and patients, especially children. We don't want to take any chances."
The restrictions also apply to pastors visiting members of their
faith community, except in end-of-life and critical situations.
The hospital's infectious disease committee will continue to monitor
the situation daily. Mission has had 58 confirmed cases of influenza
A and two confirmed cases of influenza B as of mid-day Friday,
Dec. 12.
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