As the Coronavirus continues to make headline news, we want to share some information about the virus, and some infection prevention and control recommendations.

The Coronavirus spreads like other respiratory illnesses such as the flu or a common cold. As with any respiratory virus, the best way to prevent infection is to use the strategies normally used to prevent the spread of illnesses. As a nursing community, we care for many at-risk elders and it’s especially critical that our families, volunteers and other visitors follow the recommendations below to help make A.G. Rhodes a safer environment.

Don’t visit if you’re feeling sick.

  • We love visitors, but if you’re not feeling well, don’t come to A.G. Rhodes.

Practice good infection prevention.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent spreading germs.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. You can find hand sanitizer stations located throughout the building when you visit.
  • When at home, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Get the flu shot.

  • It’s true that the flu and Coronavirus have similar symptoms, but the risk of catching the flu in the United States remains far greater. The flu shot doesn’t protect against Coronavirus but since the flu season is still in effect and poses a threat at A.G. Rhodes, please get a flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. There are many different flu viruses, but a flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research suggests will be most common.

We remain diligent in our infection prevention and control practices at A.G. Rhodes, and we continue to follow guidelines and recommendations issued by the Department of Health and CDC that offer prevention and treatment methods to reduce the spread of viruses, infections and illnesses.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep our residents safe.

For more information about the coronavirus visit www.cdc.gov.

March 1, 2020