Wednesday, January 8, 2025–9:40 a.m.
-Atrium Health Floyd News Release-
As respiratory illnesses rise, Atrium Health Floyd is urging everyone to take steps to protect themselves and those around them.
Simple actions, like staying current on vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and staying home when unwell, can help keep individuals, families, and communities safer this sick season.
Health experts strongly recommend the following to limit the spread of respiratory illnesses:
- Stay home when sick: Protect others by staying home if you have symptoms of respiratory illness, such as a cough, fever, or fatigue.
- Get vaccinated: Vaccines remain the most effective tool for preventing severe illness. Make sure you are up to date on vaccinations, including the flu shot, the new RSV vaccine, and the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
- Practice good respiratory hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with others when feeling sick.
For those needing non-emergency care, Atrium Health Floyd offers several options, including:
- Primary Care: Contact your primary care provider if you have flu-like symptoms.
- Urgent Care and Virtual Visits: Consider these options for mild to moderate symptoms to avoid long wait times in emergency departments.
Members of the community can easily find care options by visiting www.floyd.org.
“The community can help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses by following these guidelines,” said Sheila Bennett, senior vice president and chief of patient services at Atrium Health Floyd. “These preventive measures are simple but can go a long way in protecting ourselves and those most vulnerable.”
Due to a sustained increase in respiratory viruses in our communities, Atrium Health Floyd is implementing temporary visitor restrictions in acute care hospitals, emergency departments, rehabilitation units, behavioral health, infusion centers, and certain cancer areas effective Wednesday, Jan. 8. These restrictions apply to:
- Visitor age limit: Children 12 and under should not visit the locations listed above.
- Masking policy: Visitors will be asked to wear masks when in areas where direct patient care is provided and emergency department waiting areas.
These guidelines apply to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center, Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Behavioral Health and our stand-alone Emergency Department in Chattooga County.
Atrium Health Floyd thanks all community members and visitors for their cooperation and for helping make health care environments safer for all.
It is important to note that some hospitals and care locations may have additional restrictions on visitors in certain areas and restrictions are subject to change without notice. Please read and follow signage posted on-site and follow any directions provided by staff members at the facility.
