AnMed Urges Precautions as Respiratory Illnesses Rise

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

As South Carolina joins Louisiana as one of the two states with the highest number of influenza and respiratory illnesses, AnMed Health is seeing increased admissions during December.

As both flu and COVID are on the rise, AnMed is asking citizens to limit visits to hospital patients, with the following being among their recommendations:

Limit patient visitation be limited as much as possible. No one who is sick or experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness – symptoms including fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose or sore throat – should visit hospital patients. 

All visitors should wear facemasks while in health system facilities. 

Get vaccinated. Vaccines can increase chances of remaining healthy and avoiding spreading sickness to others. 

Stay home if you’re sick. If you require medical attention, get it. Wear a mask and keep a distance of at least six feet from others to slow the spread of illness if you must leave your home to seek care. But otherwise avoid contact with others, and stay home for 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the aid of medicine. 

Cover your coughs and sneezes. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and throw away the tissue when you’re done. Use your sleeve or elbow if you don’t have a tissue. Then wash or sanitize your hands after each cough or sneeze. 

Wash hands frequently. Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if you don’t have soap and water. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.