X

St. Lawrence Health System restricting visits at Potsdam, Massena, Gouverneur hospitals due to flu

Posted 2/19/20

POTSDAM -- St. Lawrence Health System has implemented visitor limitations at its three hospitals as flu season hits its full stride. SLHS says that to better protect patients from the flu and other …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

St. Lawrence Health System restricting visits at Potsdam, Massena, Gouverneur hospitals due to flu

Posted

POTSDAM -- St. Lawrence Health System has implemented visitor limitations at its three hospitals as flu season hits its full stride.

SLHS says that to better protect patients from the flu and other illnesses, visitors to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Gouverneur Hospital, and Massena Hospital are being asked to “be mindful of staying home if they feel ill with any type of respiratory problem.”

These limitations on visits are in place until further notice:

• The number of visitors in a patient room has been reduced to two at a time. Parents and caregivers are not counted as visitors.

• Visitors should be 12 years of age or older, though exceptions may be made for healthy children.

• If visitors have a sore throat, fever, runny nose, cough, or other flu-like symptom, they should reconsider visiting until they are well again, even if they have had a flu shot.

St. Lawrence Health System says its hospitals practice “respiratory etiquette” in their emergency departments and outpatient centers. Each waiting area has masks for patients to wear to cover coughs, and tissues and hand sanitizer for “proper hand hygiene.” And those seeking treatment who have any flu-like symptoms with upper respiratory problems will be asked to wear a mask.

Flu season typically starts in October and can last through May. SLHS says it’s not too late to get your flu shot if you haven’t already received one.