CCC Screening Visitors due to Influenza Cases

Lompoc Valley Medical Center: Comprehensive Care Center (CCC) is screening all visitors for influenza-like illness at the skilled nursing facility due to an increase in influenza cases at the center. CCC staff is following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the management of influenza in long-term care facilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies an “outbreak” as when two or more residents are confirmed to have influenza.

With the increase in influenza cases among the CCC residents, Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC) immediately put into place an Infection Control action plan to limit further spread of the virus. Among the actions implemented were a temporary screening of visitors for influenza-like illness; ongoing daily screening of all CCC residents for symptoms and the cancellation of all group activities.

LVMC would like to remind residents that influenza is a virus that typically affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It usually lasts between three to seven days. Symptoms include fever, headache, cough, body aches, and sore throat. Seasonal flu is a respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus, which spreads easily from person to person. If you are experiencing symptoms of influenza-like illness, and have a relative or friend at the CCC, please postpone your visit until you are free of symptoms.

LVMC is advising the public of the increase in influenza activity because the flu virus can be dangerous to people with compromised immune systems, cancer, kidney disease or other conditions.