October 26, 2009

Mercy Hospital Cadillac Restricts Visitors Due to H1N1

Mercy Hospital Cadillac is taking extra precautions to protect its patients, visitors and staff from exposure to respiratory and flu illness. Due to the outbreak of Seasonal Flu and H1N1 in the community, children age 16 and under may NOT visit patients or be in patient care areas. We ask parents, if possible, to leave children home when visiting the hospital. Anyone with cold or flu symptoms may not visit patients.

Mercy Hospital Cadillac is being proactive in protecting its patients and visitors. Managing the amount of visitors will help limit the spread of the virus, as well as limit the admission of additional infection into the hospital.

You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:

* fever*
* cough
* sore throat
* runny or stuffy nose
* body aches
* headache
* chills
* fatigue
* sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

* It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Contact:  Shannon Smith
Mercy Hospital Cadillac
Community Relations
(231) 876-7326
smithsle@trinity-health.org