Important Information Regarding Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
November 10, 2010
During the cold and influenza (flu) season, Saint Clare’s Health System requests that visitors to the hospital take necessary precautions to avoid the spread of flu to our patients, guests, and employees.
Flu is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. If you are sick, have respiratory illness or are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, we ask you to refrain from visiting patients in our facilities to avoid the spread of your illness. During the cold and flu season, visitors who are sick should consider keeping in touch with our patients with a phone call, at the numbers noted, below, for each of our hospital campuses.
Saint Clare’s Hospital/Denville: 973-625-6000
Saint Clare’s Hospital/Dover: 973-989-3000
Saint Clare’s Hospital/Sussex: 973-702-2600
What You Can Do to Prevent the Spread of Colds and Flu
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services suggests a number of common, everyday things that can help to prevent the spread of colds and flu, including:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue – not your hands – when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands immediately.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Clean commonly shared items like phones, light switches, and doorknobs.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
For additional information on flu season resources, please visit www.nj.gov/flu.
