NUMC Dealing With Increase in Influenza Cases

The is dealing with an increasing amount of influenza cases, hospital officials confirmed on Wednesday.

"Currently the hospital is managing several confirmed influenza cases in the Psychiatric population," Shelley Lotenberg, the spokeswoman for the hospital said.

Lotenberg is urging people to take the necessary steps to make sure that they are protecting the patients and workers at NUMC. She suggests the following steps.

• Get vaccinated if you haven't done so already. Contact Occupational Health or Infection Control to obtain the vaccine.
• Practice frequent hand hygiene.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, followed by hand washing.
• Do not work if you are ill. Notify Occupational Health for evaluation and management if you develop signs and symptoms of influenza.  The flu may present suddenly and symptoms may include fever, cough and sore throat.
• Keep vigilant for flu like symptoms in patients or visitors with whom you are in contact regarding the need for evaluation and management.