Click here for Centers for Disease Control information on what to do if you get the flu - including warning signs that indicate you should seek medical care.
Read about temporary visitor restrictions in all five Samaritan Health Services
hospitals here.
Read about temporary visitor restrictions in Samaritan Health Services
birthing centers here.
Samaritan Health Services prepared for flu season
Experts are predicting that the spread of the H1N1 (swine) flu virus, along with the spread of seasonal flu viruses, may result in a greater percentage of people becoming ill this flu season.
The affiliated hospitals, physicians and staff of Samaritan Health Services have trained for this type of event. They are working together and with county and state public health departments to help stem the spread of flu in our region and, if necessary, treat a large number of patients.
To avoid seasonal flu, the H1N1 virus and many other respiratory ailments, the following basic guidelines are recommended:
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and regularly, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. This is how germs are spread.
- Get your seasonal flu shot and, if you are in a high-risk group as defined by the Centers for Disease Control, the H1N1 vaccination. For flu vaccination information, please call your primary care provider to schedule an appointment, a Samaritan Health Services urgent care clinic or your county public health department.
- If you are sick, stay home.
It’s also recommended that families have plans in place to address childcare and work issues in case family members become ill. In addition to such contingency plans, all Oregonians are being encouraged by the Department of Human Services to have enough food, water, medications and other supplies on hand to last a week or more in case supply lines are interrupted or it becomes difficult to get to the store due to illness. Helpful information for families can be found at the Oregon Department of Human Services flu Web site at
www.flu.oregon.gov.
Though nobody knows how this flu season will progress, it is possible that physician clinics, urgent care centers and emergency rooms could become overwhelmed with a large influx of patients. It’s important to know how to care at home for family members with the flu. The Centers for Disease Control Web site provides suggestions on flu home care as well as information about when to seek medical attention at:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm.
For more information, call the state flu hotline at (800) 978-3040, your local public health department or visit the Oregon Department of Human Services flu Web site at
www.flu.oregon.gov.