UF Health Issues Flu Advisory!

Alachua County is facing a challenging flu season. UF Health reports they are seeing large numbers of patients with flu-like symptoms. Given the high volume of patients relying on the E.R.s, there may be extended wait times for those who are not in critical condition.

Where to seek help?

If you feel unwell, please contact your primary care provider to schedule an appointment and seek treatment as needed.  Additionally, urgent and walk-in care centers have the ability to treat patients with flu as well as other respiratory infections.

Patients in potentially critical condition, such as those who have underlying serious conditions, can seek care in an E.R., including freestanding E.R.s. If you are in critical condition and having trouble breathing, please call 911.

Symptoms

Unlike with many other respiratory viruses, the onset of flu can happen quickly and symptoms worsen often within a few hours. You may have flu and need medical treatment if you have the following symptoms:

  • coughing, sneezing
  • headache, body aches or fever
  • nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

When you seek care from a health care provider, please ask for a mask upon arrival to help prevent the spread of infection.

Please note: Patients scheduled for any procedure or infusion who have these symptoms should advise their provider in advance that they are sick.

UF Health visitation and mask advisories:

UF Health is asking visitors to please follow these precautions to help us protect all patients, visitors and staff at UF Health.

Visitation Advisory

A temporary change to visitation at UF Health Shands hospitals has been put in place. Limiting visitors helps reduce the risk of infection during flu season. People who are visibly ill are asked not to visit patient units.

Guidelines at this time allow:

  • Only two designated visitors per patient (wrist bands will be provided)
  • Only children over age 12 may visit adult patients
  • No children under age 18 may visit pediatric patients

UF Health reminds everyone to practice excellent infection control by washing hands, using hand sanitizer frequently and covering coughs and sneezes (with your arm/elbow, not hands).

Mask Advisory

UF Health also has a new mask advisory in place at this time.

  • All visitors must wear a mask while on our patient units.
  • Masks and instructions will be provided.
  • Apply a mask before entering the unit; remove upon leaving the unit.

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