St. Peter’s Hospital has lifted visitor restrictions, effective immediately, and all ages are now permitted to visit the Hospital. St. Peter’s limited visitor access on October 9 because of the high number of flu cases in the community. The restrictions may be implemented in the future without notice, based on the seasonal and/or H1N1 flu status at St. Peter’s, for the safety of patients and the staff.

St. Peter’s reminds the public that the best defense against both seasonal and H1N1 flu virus is vaccination. The public is encouraged to obtain vaccinations as they become available. Proper hand washing and cough etiquette remain key strategies to reduce the spread of the flu virus.

Cough continue to be available at Hospital entrances and waiting rooms. Masks and hand gel will still be provided for all patients reporting a cough, runny nose, sore throat, or fever. Others with flu symptoms should not enter St. Peter's.

How to Stay Healthy

• Stay informed. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ updates information regularly as it becomes available. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
  
• Call St. Peter's Medical Group at 495-6905 for answers.

Everyday Actions to Stay Healthy

• Cough or sneeze in your sleeve or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after used.
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from spreading infection.
  
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress
  
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Treatment of the Flu
Call 457-4180 for a same day appointment
St. Peter's Medical Group Broadway, 2550 Broadway (across from St. Peter's)
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday

St. Peter's Medical Group North Montana, 3150 North Montana Avenue (next to Jade Garden)
3150 North Montana Avenue
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

No appointment necessary
St. Peter's Urgent Care, 2475 Broadway (inside Hospital Emergency Department)
Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daily

Additional information
Adult Flu (pdf)
Pediatric Flu (pdf)
Flu Facts (pdf)

Swine Flu and You (pdf)
Provided by the Lewis & Clark County Health Department