Providence Centralia Hospital
Providence Centralia and Providence St. Peter hospitals will increase precautions in their facilities due to increased incidences of flu and flu-like illnesses in southwest Washington, the organization announced this week.
This means Providence is asking those with flu-like symptoms such as cough, congestion and high temperatures to stay out of the hospitals unless they are critically ill.
“If you need emergent care, of course come to the (emergency department), but if you’re just not feeling well and think you might have the flu, first call your primary care provider,” said Providence Southwest Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kevin Caserta. “If you don’t have one, seek care at an immediate care facility or other non-emergent option. With flu season upon us, our emergency departments are very full. No one wants to come in feeling badly and sit in a busy waiting room.”
Other measures to combat the flu at Providence locations include signs reminding patients to cover their coughs or wear a mask, screening for anyone entering the family birth center and critical care units, increased cleaning throughout the facilities, decreased magazines and other precautions.
