Flu Symptoms? Postpone That Hospital Visit

Flu Symptoms? Postpone That Hospital Visit

FREMONT – Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is screening visitors to the hospital for contagious illnesses and discouraging visits to patient care areas as cases of the flu are now being diagnosed locally.

The hospital will be screening visitors who have the following symptoms:

 

• Fever, with a temperature greater than 37.8 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose or congestion
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Rash other than eczema of less than five days’ duration
• Draining sores

 
Visitors who have none of the symptoms will...

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...receive a blue sticker indicating they are a healthy visitor, to be worn at all times while at the hospital.

​Parents, caregivers, legal guardians and immediate family members who have symptoms must wash their hands every time they enter or exit a child or family member’s room. They must wear a mask, which is available at the front desk, if they have a fever, cough, sore throat or runny nose. 

Other visitors who have symptoms will be asked to return when they’re healthy. They can still communicate with the patient by calling the hospital operator at 231-924-3300.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccine that is being dispensed for the 2016-2017 season is a good match to combat the prevalent flu strain that is being reported. Flu vaccinations are available by calling the flu hotline at 616-486-3939.

​“Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial is taking steps to ensure our patients, visitors and staff are safe during the flu season,” said Shelly Johnson, Gerber Memorial’s chief operating officer. “We greatly appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we implement safeguards that can minimize exposure to the flu. At the same time, we encourage everyone to get their flu shots to proactively protect themselves, their family members and the people around them.”