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Visitor Guidelines

The flu is a serious contagious disease, and we recommend a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu. Pregnant women, young children and their caregivers, and those with pre-existing medical conditions have a higher risk of having the flu. A seasonal vaccine, however, will not protect you against novel H1N1 (Swine) Flu. The H1N1 vaccine is highly recommended, and will be available in November 2009. Learn more about the H1N1 vaccine >>

Important Policy UPDATE: Restricted Visitation for Minors Lifted

Revised January 2010

Anyone with flu-like symptoms should not come to the hospital unless absolutely necessary or for their own care. Visitor restrictions for children 18 years and younger have been lifted, with two important exceptions:

If a visitor, adult or child, displays influenza-like symptoms (coughing, sneezing, etc.), any member of the nursing or patient relations staff is empowered to request this visitor to immediately discontinue their visit.
Visitation is restricted entirely for all minors (18 years of age and younger) in the Neonatal Care Unit at ST. FRANCIS eastside.

St. Francis is offering respiratory masks and hand sanitizing gels at all hospital emergency departments; special precautions are being taken at all critical areas throughout all facilities of the Health System.

How can I protect myself and my family?

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based gel hand cleaners are also good to use.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (If you have been around someone who has the flu, notify your doctor to see if you need to be treated for the flu).
Have a plan to care for sick family members.
Stock up on household, health, and emergency supplies such as water and Tylenol.
Notify doctor with any concerns about H1N1 as it could lead to serious problems such as pneumonia.

What are flu-like symptoms?

Flu-like symptoms come suddenly, and can include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.

What should I do if I get sick?

If sick with flu-like symptoms, it is important to stay home and limit contact with others to avoid spread of infection. Call your primary care provider, and he/she will decide if you need to be treated.

If you have had close contact with someone with the Flu/H1N1 or being treated for exposure to the Flu/H1N1, contact your doctor to discuss whether you need treatment to reduce your chances of getting the flu.

How is the flu treated?

Contact your doctor to see if you need antiviral drugs -- antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu® fight against the flu by keeping the germs from growing in your body. These medicines can make you feel better faster and make your symptoms milder. Antiviral drugs work best when started soon after symptoms begin (within 2 days). Secondly, drink plenty of fluids.

When should I get emergency medical care?

Please seek emergency care if you exhibit any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, and/or a high fever that is not responding to Tylenol. Directions to Emergency Room >>

As a nursing mother, how do I protect my baby?

Flu can very serious in young babies. Be careful not to cough or sneeze in your baby’s face, wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand gel. Your doctor might ask you to wear a mask to keep from spreading the flu to your baby.

You can continue to breastfeed your baby if you are sick and being treated for the flu. Babies who are breastfed do not get as sick and are sick less often from the flu, than do babies who are not breastfed. Breast milk passes on antibodies from the mother to a baby, and antibodies help fight off infection. If you are too sick to breastfeed, pump and have someone give the expressed milk to your baby. If you have questions, contact your doctor or your St. Francis Lactation Consultant.

What should I know about the Seasonal and H1N1 vaccines?

The flu is a serious contagious disease, and we recommend a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu.

From the SC Hospital Association: The first round of the H1N1 vaccine expected to arrive in South Carolina in the coming week will be in the form of nasal spray. People who should get the nasal spray form of the vaccine include:

Healthcare workers who have no underlying chronic conditions such as heart disease, asthma or diabetes and who are not pregnant.
People ages 2 to 49 who have no underlying chronic conditions and are not pregnant.

People who should not get the nasal spray version of the H1N1 vaccine include:

Pregnant women
Children younger than 2
Adults older than 49
Anyone with an underlying chronic condition such as asthma or heart disease.

People who have had the nasal spray form of the seasonal flu vaccine must wait 28 days before getting the nasal spray form of the H1N1 vaccine. It is important to talk with your physician and/or healthcare providers about the best time to get the H1N1 vaccine.