Influenza strikes with a vengeance across the U.S.
Perham Memorial Hospital sees a number of cases

This year’s flu vaccine seems to be working well. Unfortunately, the latest figures show those who passed up the vaccine have gotten hit and hit hard!

Physicians, clinics, hospitals, and emergency rooms in many parts of the country have had a difficult time keeping up with it all. In some parts of the country, people have been so sick that they’ve been unable to walk or even stand when going in.

A few hospitals have been overwhelmed and were forced to turn patients away. Other hospitals have reported waiting times of up to four to six hours for emergency room care and 12 to 24 hours for a hospital bed. Fortunately, this is not something we have yet had to experience at Perham Memorial. So far, the emergency room has been able to adequately handle patients.

According to Perham Memorial Hospital Infection Control Chairman, Dr. Frank LeBlanc, as with any viral illness, the main symptom complaints patients are experiencing are muscle aches, high fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and congestion. "All this can be expected," Dr. LeBlanc explained. "What is unexpected is that there have been several cases of serious - sometimes life threatening - secondary bacterial infections in susceptible adults, and a higher than usual number of children exhibiting mental confusion, severe muscle inflammation, and shock."

Statistics show that the flu has struck with unusual swiftness this year. The number of cases have tripled when compared to this same time last year, and 35 states have already reported widespread outbreaks, including both Minnesota and North Dakota.

On the positive side, experts report that 95 percent of the cases have been classified as the "Influenza A, Sydney" strain - one of the three strains that was included in this year’s standard flu vaccine. In addition, the existing vaccine will prevent illness in approximately 80 percent of the people who have received it, and will cut the fatality rate by 85 percent in the high risk populations and the elderly.

It may not be too late to get a vaccination. Since the flu season usually lasts into March, you may want to contact your health care provider for a recommendation on still receiving the flu shot. In addition, if you suspect that you have a case of influenza, you may wish to consult with your physician about potential treatment options.

As always, if you suspect that you may be acquiring an illness, take caution. It is wise to stay home from work as not to expose others. In addition, wash your hands even more frequently than what you are accustomed to. Wash with soap for at least 10 to 15 seconds. Use a clean towel, or a paper towel, to wipe them. Do not share personal items or drink out of the same cup. Rest and drink plenty of fluids so that you do not dehydrate. If you feel ill, do not visit persons in hospitals, nursing homes, or elderly persons in the community who may be at high risk for acquiring an illness.

Symptoms of this year’s influenza sudden onset fever/chills severe body aches sore throat cough congestion chest discomfort/tightness severe malaise headache feel that you can’t get out of bed In general, gastrointestinal symptoms are not caused by the influenza virus.

100% hospital nursing certified in neonatal resuscitation

Perham Memorial Hospital nursing staff recently completed the neonatal resuscitation program (NRP). Certification, which takes place every two years, is required by the hospital of all its nurses.

Because six percent of all newborns require life support in the delivery room or nursery, NRP was established as a national standard for resuscitation of newborns. The initial program goal was to have at least one person skilled in newborn resuscitation in attendance at every delivery.

Bonnie Johnson, RN director of nursing at the hospital stated, "Providing appropriate resuscitation services to a newborn who has depressed respiratory effort as he or she makes the transition into the world, can affect development as the child matures. By training the nurses at PMH in newborn resuscitation, babies can get resuscitation care when they need it - even though there is not a neonatal specialty service here." Johnson emphasizes that requiring all nurses to be certified in NRP, is another example of PMH's commitment to providing quality health care to the community.

NRP is endorsed by the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Perham Memorial Home Care offers free blood pressure checks Perham Senior Center 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. St. James Manor, Perham 3rd Wednesday of each even-numbered month at 9:30 a.m. Lakeland Apartments, Perham 3rd Wed. of each odd-numbered month at 9:30 a.m. Heritage Manor, NYM 3rd Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. Briarwood, Perham 4th Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m.

PMHH recognizes employees
Forty-five employees acclaimed for commitment, contributions

25-year service honors went to: Eileen Lehman, Diane Mollins, and Kathy Johnson.	“Our employees make us what we are. It’s the dedication and hard work these people bring to our team of employees that allows us to be the progressive organization we are. These 45 individuals contribute to the quality of care we provide and to the contributions we are able to make to the communities we serve.” --Chuck Hofius, PMHH Administrator
Receiving 20-year awards were: Deloris Brown, Dolores Woods, Ruth Anderson, Mary Aitken, Tamara Lubitz, Shirley Brasel, Deborah Shippee, and Lori Grismer. Not pictured were Susan Kinlund and Gertrude Ulschmid.	15-year service honorees were: Lois Greisen, Lynn Bleichner, Kathy Seifert, and Dawn Winter. Not pictured were Cheryl Oleson, Delaine Meyer, and Susan Berns.
10-year service people were: Bonnie Steeke, LuAnn Tumberg, Deborah Guck, Rose Limmer, Rose Bauer-Neseth, Julie Morse, Julie Sanders, Pamela Nelson, Carol Rux, and Mary Chase. Not pictured were Delores Huntley and Joan Salo.	Five-year honors went to: Amy Grismer, Ruth Haugrud, Janelle Salo, Lisa Moreno, Jean Walker, and Pamela Nodsle. Not pictured were Lillian Wolford, Julie Stetson, Darcy Ekse, Crystal Fulford, Brenda Hahn, Carrie Avery, and Julie Preuss.

The shape of things to come

A $1.45 million construction project at Perham Memorial Hospital and MeritCare Clinic, is well under way. The project will double the size of the hospital’s radiology department - including the addition of an in-house CT scan machine, add business office space, and a remodeled lobby area. Nine new exam rooms, one treatment room, additional lobby area, and business office space will also be added to the clinic area. The focal point of the project will be a drive-through canopy entrance that will be used to access both the hospital and clinic upon completion.

Because of the construction, the front entrances to the hospital and the clinic on third street southwest are inaccessible. Temporary entrances for both are on the east side of the building. Exterior and interior signage has been posted to direct traffic.

We appreciate your understanding and tolerance of our work and ask you to look forward with us to a fresh, new atmosphere this summer.

What do you want to hear about? PMHH is committed to providing the community with education regarding health issues and wants to know what interests you. Is it information about heart health, nutrition, arthritis, poison prevention, infant immunization, or organ donation? E-mail us your feedback at information@pmhh.com

Visit our booth at the Perham Farm and Trade Show February 19 and 20.

Get answers to your questions, find out what's new at PMHH, enjoy freshly-made popcorn, and sign up to win door prizes.

Mission Statement Perham Memorial Hospital and Home is a progressive provider of quality personalized services committed to providing or coordinating a continuum of care to all persons in the communities we serve.

Perham Memorial Hospital and Home, 665 3rd Street SW,
Perham, MN, 56573, (218) 346-4500

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