With flu season approaching, Ottumwa Regional Health Center is reminding the community that getting a flu shot is one of the simplest ways to help protect yourself and those around you.
ORHC is encouraging employees, medical staff and community members to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone six months of age and older.
“Staying up to date on your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you,” said Jessica Kendrick, chief nursing officer at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
Health officials say vaccination is especially important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from the flu, including young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions.
Along with getting vaccinated, ORHC recommends taking a few everyday precautions during flu season:
- Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
- Avoid close contact with others when you are sick.
- If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home and avoid visiting people in the hospital.
- Take antiviral medication if it is prescribed by your doctor.
ORHC is also asking visitors to help protect patients and staff. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough or runny nose is asked not to visit the hospital.
Visitors should wash their hands before entering and after leaving a patient’s room. People coming to the hospital for tests or procedures who have flu-like symptoms, including a fever over 100 degrees along with a cough or sore throat, are asked to wear a mask.
For more information about flu prevention and vaccination, visit the CDC’s flu information page.
Source: Ottumwa Regional Health Center
