Increase of flu cases prompts changes at Mercy Health facilities

Because of the increase in the number of influenza cases in the Lorain County area, Mercy Health Lorain is implementing four public health guidelines at all facilities to protect patients, their families and employees, according to a news release from the medical center.

• If you do not feel well, do not come to the hospital to visit someone. Call them, text them or send them a card. You run the risk of infecting your friend or family member, or the health care staff, or other patients and residents when you visit while sick.

• No visitors younger than the age of 18 are permitted until the flu season ends. Children are exposed to many more germs in schools and day care and can easily infect others, or catch the flu by visiting someone in the hospital with the flu.

• Mercy Health is suspending the practice of allowing one family member to stay overnight in the room with a hospital patient until flu season subsides. Exceptions may be granted in cases of gravely ill or minor patients.

• Waiting rooms or public areas cannot be used for overnight accommodations. Mercy Health needs time to clean and disinfect waiting rooms and public visiting areas each evening, and to enable the family member to get the rest they need to recuperate.

These extra precautions are effective immediately at all Mercy Health Lorain locations, including Mercy Regional Medical Center and Mercy Allen Hospital. They will remain in effect until the influenza subsides, the release said.

“We are taking proactive steps to protect our patients, their families and our employees,” said Edwin Oley, chief executive officer for Mercy Health Lorain and senior vice president for Mercy Health.

“We want to limit exposure to the flu for those persons in our care who are at increased health risk, and to slow the spread of influenza for the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Some simple habits can protect you and those around you, and hamper the spread of a viral infection, according to the release:

• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol hand sanitizer.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or cough/sneeze into a sleeve.

• Avoid crowded areas if possible.

• Stay home if you are sick.

At Mercy’s facility entrances, staff will have face masks handy to protect you, health care staff, and the patients and residents, according to the release.

“We are taking proactive steps to protect our patients, their families and our employees.” — Edwin Oley, chief executive officer for Mercy Health Lorain and senior vice president for Mercy Health