It’s a common misconception that once springtime is here, the flu is no longer a threat. Health care providers everywhere continue seeing cases of the flu emerge, and we urge you to follow these flu safety tips, especially if you’re planning to visit us at A.G. Rhodes where we care for many at-risk elders.
Don’t visit if you’re feeling sick.
We love visitors, but if you’re experiencing flu or flu-like symptoms, please wait until you’re well to stop by.
It’s not too late to get your flu shot.
Flu season is still not over and 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. While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research suggests will be most common.
Practice good infection control.
These tips apply year round, and especially during flu season we urge you to practice good infection control. 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 water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent spreading germs, and please use the hand sanitizer stations located throughout the building when you visit.
Preventative Measures at A.G. Rhodes:
We take several preventative measures at A.G. Rhodes to reduce risks associated with the flu. The flu shot is encouraged, offered and administered to our elders. Additionally, the flu vaccine is mandatory for staff, and we administer it free of charge. Any staff members who refuse to get the vaccine must wear masks while they administer care.
We follow guidelines issued by the CDC that offer prevention and treatment methods to reduce the spread of the flu, as well as other viruses, infections and illnesses.
We hold regular educational sessions with staff about health risks and proper infection control procedures, which are also posted throughout the building.
If we do have confirmed cases of the flu, we contact the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and follow any guidelines and recommendations that it issues, along with the CDC guidelines.
For more information about the flu and flu prevention, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.
March 20, 2019