Henry Ford Health Announces Precautionary Measures to Fight Spread of Flu

The Henry Ford Health System on Wednesday announced two precautionary measures being implemented that are aimed at minimizing the spread of the flu.

According to HFHS:

• People with flu-like symptoms are advised not to visit loved ones in a Henry Ford hospital.
• Patients with flu-like symptoms who are seeking medical care are advised to obtain a mask at the information desk or mask station upon entering a Henry Ford hospital or outpatient medical facility.

Signage promoting the measures is being posted at the entrances of Henry Ford’s hospitals in Clinton Township, Detroit, Ferndale, Mount Clemens, West Bloomfield and Wyandotte, as well as entrances of its outpatient medical facilities across metro Detroit.

This includes Shelby Township's Henry Ford Macomb Health Center on Schoenherr.

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“These measures were implemented to help control the spread of infection from the flu,” says William Conway, M.D., Henry Ford’s executive vice president and chief quality officer.

“The best thing for people to do if they have flu-like symptoms is to stay home, drink plenty of liquids and rest. Most people with the flu have mild illness and don’t need medical care or antiviral drugs.”

Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Cough
• Headache
• Muscle aches

More: Flu shot myths v facts

The best protection against the flu is vaccination, says Dr. Conway, adding, “it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Flu season can last into March or April.” Vaccination is recommended for anyone six months and older.

Henry Ford is offering walk-in flu shot clinics at their Sterling Heights medical center, 3500 15 Mile Rd., and weekend care clinic. For patients who do not have insurance, cost is $25 per person.

• 5-7 p.m., Jan. 16, medical center, (adults only)
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Jan. 19-20, weekend care clinic, (children and adults)
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Jan. 26-27, weekend care clinic, (children and adults)