Nursing home closed to visitors as flu precaution

By Angie Thompson/senior reporter

TIFTON — It doesn’t seem to be an atypical flu season, but there is enough illness going around that at least one local nursing home took action last week and closed its doors to visitors until staff could get the illness under control.

“What is a simple infection for you and me is an absolute death sentence for our patients who are 70, 80 or even 100 years old,” Whiddon said. “As soon as we have it dealt with, we welcome visitors back with open arms.”

Whiddon said the facility has confirmed cases of both type A and B flu among staff members and residents.

“We felt the best thing to do was close the doors to all visitors,” Whiddon said.

Whiddon encouraged anyone who is a relative or friend of residents at Tift Health Care to call the facility if they have any questions.

Whiddon said there are 165 residents at the facility. As of Tuesday, only two of those were left infected. Eight staff members work there and Whiddon said she didn’t want people visiting who could take the illness out with them or bring illness in with them.

“We started trying to isolate our employees and patients last week and tried to get them proper treatment,” Whiddon said. “We are ahead of this thing and we want to stay ahead of it.”

According to Mary Key, Tift Regional Medical Center’s infection control person, flu types A and B have both been confirmed in patients.

“The last two or three years have been considered relatively mild flu seasons,” Key said. “This season, we are seeing more disease out there than in the last few years. However, if you look back over the last 20 years, it does not appear to be an atypical season.”

Key said that 10 of the hospital’s current inpatients have confirmed flu. Most cases of confirmed flu, she said, do not require hospitalization and can be safely treated at home.

“Of course, the very young and the elderly are at greater risk for complications, but the flu affects all age groups,” Key said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways. Epidemics of flu happen every year, but the timing of the flu season and its severity depend on many factors, including what influenza viruses are circulating and how well viruses in the vaccine match those that are circulating.

From Oct. 2007 through early January, the United States experienced low levels of flu activity according to the CDC. Beginning in January, flu activity began to increase and by the week ending Feb. 2, 31 states were reporting widespread flu activity.

Even though influenza viruses constantly change and it is common for new strains of flu to appear each year, the CDC continues to recommend that people take time to get a vaccine. Vaccinations, the agency says, can still provide protection against influenza this season since different viruses can circulate as late as May. Frequent hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough are also encouraged as with taking the antiviral drugs doctors recommend.

To contact senior reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321.

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