Effective immediately, Salem Health will no longer limit visitors at Salem Hospital and West Valley Hospital because of an improving flu season.

“We are seeing little to no flu in our organization at this time,” said Nancy O’Connor, RN, infection prevention manager at Salem Health. “Additionally, there has been a significant decrease in flu activity in the community and the state over the last 2 to 3 weeks.”

Since Jan. 16, Salem Health had posted signs at building entrances asking patients’ families and friends to stay home to help protect patients from the flu. Also, the organization required staff and employees to wear a mask when working within 6 feet of a patient—if those staffers did not get vaccinated against the flu.  The public and health care team has been reminded to follow regular respiratory etiquette, such as covering their cough.

“We will continue to monitor flu activity throughout the remainder of normal flu season which typically ends by March 31,” said O’Connor. “In the event there is a significant resurgence of flu activity, we will reassess the situation.\"

Salem Health is comprised of Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Salem Hospital received the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ from Healthgrades in 2014, placing it among the top 5 percent of more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide. “Like” us on facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at youtube.com/salemhealth.