Health
Norwalk Hospital announces flu policy and health education programs
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Oct 31, 2009 - 12:59 PM

Norwalk Hospital is committed to promoting wellness, education and patient safety. Therefore, during the flu season, the hospital has taken steps to implement patient safety procedures as well as community health education programs.

The new Norwalk Hospital Flu Season Visitors Policy includes:
1) No one under age 18 may visit any patient. This includes patients' children and siblings.
2) Pregnant women are discouraged from visiting patients.
3) All visitors will be stopped at hospital entrances and screened for flu-like symptoms, which include cough, sore throat, fever, chills, runny nose and body aches. Those who appear ill will be asked to visit when they are better. In special circumstances, parents or caregivers of a patient may be required to wear a protective mask.

Hospital officials said that although the Flu Season Visitors Policy may seem like an inconvenience, it is essential in ensuring the very best care to patients, and to keeping them, as well as staff and visitors safe.

In addition, Norwalk Hospital invites the general public to a community health education program, "Ask the Experts: H1N1 and Seasonal Flu" on Thursday, November 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Richard S. Perkin Auditorium. Panelists include: infectious disease physicians, medical specialists and community health directors. To register visit Norwalk Hospital's electronic login site at www.norwalkhospitalfoundation.org or call (203) 852-2250.

Starting on November 9th, Norwalk Hospital's Health Talk television program on "H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza" will broadcast on Cablevision Local Programming Channel 84 for one week. Erin Fitzgerald, RN, infectious disease coordinator, is the featured guest. Health Talk runs each evening Sun., Wed., Thurs., Fri., and Sat., at 6:30 P.M., Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 P.M., Sun., through Sat., at 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 P.M. This program will begin to air on Monday, November 9.

Norwalk Hospital reminds you that there are several things you can do to help protect both yourself and others against the spread of flu germs,
including:

1) Cough into your elbow, rather than your hand
2) Avoid touching your face or others' faces
3) Wash your hands frequently
4) Get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots

For more information, call the Norwalk Hospital Flu Line at (203) 852-3092.

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