Flu Information for the Community 

Rogue Valley Medical Center is committed to its role of helping the community during influenza (flu) season. Here is helpful information from the infection control professionals at Rogue Valley Medical Center and Three Rivers Community Hospital.

If you Have Symptoms

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, nausea, chills, and fatigue, please call your physician or visit your nearest urgent care clinic. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/whattodo.htm,  

Prevention

Get vaccinated. Vaccinations protect you and the community. Visit http://flu.oregon.gov/Pages/vaccinate.aspx for vaccine information.

Cover up. Whether you’re healthy or ill, make a habit of covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash. 

Scrub down. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use a hand sanitizer. In fact, studies have shown that alcohol-based hand cleaners are more effective most times when compared to soap and water.

Hands off. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs and viruses spread this way.

Keep your distance. Try avoiding close contact with sick people. Adults and kids with a fever should stay home from work, school, or other public places for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care. (The fever should be gone without using a fever-reducing medicine.)

 

If You Visit the Hospital

If you come to the hospital with flu symptoms, please do the following:

  • After coughing or sneezing, wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner
  • Keep in mind that you may be asked to put on a surgical mask to protect others. They are available at hospital entrances.
  • Please be advised that anti-viral medications such as Tamiflu require a doctor's prescription. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends its use for patients already at risk for complications due to age, chronic illness, or immune deficiency, people who have been in contact with someone who has the flu, or for those who are hospitalized.

Doctors, nurses, and staff at Rogue Valley Medical Center and Three Rivers Community Hospital care about your health. For more detailed information about staying healthy in flu season, visit http://flu.oregon.gov/Pages/vaccinate.aspx.