Effective immediately Fulton County Health Center is implementing a temporary visitor restriction policy.   Two types of influenza, Seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, are circulating in the community. As a precaution during this rapidly evolving influenza situation, Fulton County Health Center has established a Temporary Restricted Visitor Policy to help protect patients, family members, other visitors and staff from unnecessary exposure and potential infection with the flu. The restrictions includes the following precautionary measures:  Visitors must be at least 18 years of age, visitors will be limited to 2 adults per patient, and patients are asked to limit the number of relatives and friends accompanying them to the Emergency Services department, outpatient areas, surgery waiting areas, procedure areas, primary care and specialist physician offices.  If you are over the age of 18 and are considering visiting one of our patients and are experiencing one of the following symptoms (cold, fever, coughing, sneezing) please restrict your visit at this time.

            "We are taking these extra measures to insure we have the safest possible environment for our patients  and for those under age 18 who are much more vulnerable to the effects of the flu," said E. Dean Beck, administrator.

            The policy does not apply to children under 18 who need emergency care, outpatient services or hospitalization.

            To help ensure the safety of our patients and visitors, the staff at Fulton County Health Center suggests the following health tips for prevention:

 ·        Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

 ·        Please cough into your sleeve or a tissue. Throw the tissue away and perform hand hygiene. 

 ·        Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

 ·        If you are having flu-like symptoms, please avoid visiting others in the hospital to prevent exposing those who are already ill or recovering from other health concerns.

 ·        If you are ill and must visit, please ask for a mask.

 ·        Get vaccinated with BOTH the seasonal influenza vaccine as well as the H1N1 vaccine if it is recommended and available to you.