Flu Information for Patients & Visitors

Because the DMC takes protecting the health and welfare of our patients seriously we ask that all patients and visitors take some of the same precautions to prevent flu infections as our employees, to include:

• Limit exposures to people (especially patients) at high risk of flu infection complications such as: People age 65 and older, Pregnant, Children younger than 5 (especially those younger than 2 years old), People of any age who have chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, congestive heart failure, lung disease, neurological conditions), Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, etc.
• Receive annual flu vaccination as soon as available (takes up to two weeks for immunity)
• Wash hands often with soap and water (use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water not available)
• Cover mouth and nose during coughs and or sneezes
• Use single use, disposable tissues when needed

Most People Do Not Require Treatment

Some high-risk patients such as young children, pregnant women, or hospitalized patients may be treated with medications such as Tamiflu or Relenza.