FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Connie Davis, MD, Chief Medical Officer, 360-814-2294
Kari Ranten, Director of Marketing and Communications, 360-814-2370
MOUNT VERNON – Flu cases are on the increase at Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Regional Clinics and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics.
The number of patients presenting with flu or flu-like symptoms started to go up in mid-December and has accelerated in the past two weeks. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are particularly at risk, according to Connie Davis, MD, Chief Medical Officer.
“It has really taken off the last couple of weeks. We’ve seen a lot of people with flu and other respiratory illnesses,” Dr. Davis said.
The increase in patients with flu and other respiratory viruses prompted implementation of visitation restrictions this week at Skagit Valley Hospital based on public health concerns in the interest of infection prevention and control.
Restrictions now in effect at Skagit Valley Hospital include:
- Do not visit the hospital if you have fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhea.
- No visitors to CCU under the age of 13, unless with prior permission from the nursing staff.
- Siblings who do not have cold or flu symptoms may visit a new baby in the Family Birth Center.
- Children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times in public waiting areas and the cafeteria.
Those planning to visit Skagit Valley Hospital should wash or sanitize their hands on arrival and before leaving the patient’s room.
Skagit Regional Health encourages everyone over the age of 6 months to receive the flu vaccine to protect themselves and others from influenza. The flu shot takes up to 2 weeks to provide full protection, but is available right now at pharmacies and clinic locations throughout the area.
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About Skagit Regional Health: Skagit Regional Health includes Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, 11 Skagit Regional Clinics locations and Cascade Valley Hospital and Clinics based in Arlington.