HCMC Encouraging Friends and Family to Avoid Visiting Due to the Flu

February 15, 2019

PARIS, TN – HCMC announced a need for friends and family to limit their visitation of patients due to the increased number of cases of flu in the community and within the hospital.  HCMC is also asking that family and friends, especially those under 14 years of age, do not visit the HCMC Women’s Center and Critical Care Units.

Pregnant women are also being encouraged to not come to the emergency room unless truly emergent.

In the past 72 hours, HCMC has seen an influx of patients in the ER testing positive with Flu Type A.  It is estimated that about one in five patients are receiving this diagnosis in the ER and there are many flu patients within the hospital.

Additionally, hand sanitation stations have been set up throughout the facility with sanitizer gel and masks.  We encourage all visitors who meet the criteria below to follow the visitation guidelines:

  • Immediate family only will be allowed on the units.
  • No one that has been sick or exposed to the flu will be allowed on the units.
  • No one, immediate family included, who is experiencing, or has been around anyone with these signs and symptoms will be allowed on the units:

Fever                           Cough Sore                 Throat

Body Aches                Headaches                   Chills

Fatigue                        Diarrhea                      Vomiting

  • No one under 14 years old will be permitted on the units unless the child is a brother or sister of your new baby AND the child has not been sick, not experiencing any of the signs & symptoms listed above and has not been exposed.

“We appreciate the community following these guidelines for the safety of our patients as well as our visitors,” said Jacki O’Brien, Director of Infection Control at HCMC.  “With the continued increase in prevalence of flu and stomach bug, we want to make sure that our patients get well, and taking out risk is the most important thing for our patients.”

Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: http://www.hcmc-tn.org.