Singing River to Remain Vigilant in Infection Control Protocols as Coronavirus Cases Rise in the U.S.

Mississippi confirmed cases: 1 in Forrest County

Mississippi Coronavirus Hotline (8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday): 877-978-6453

At Singing River Health System we regularly handle patients with infectious diseases. We have robust infection control protocols in place to handle both common and rare infectious diseases like Coronavirus and Influenza. 

The risk of Coronavirus to the general public within our area remains very low, according to both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Mississippi State Department of Health. Singing River Health System will, however, stay vigilant in our efforts to be prepared because there is always the possibility that a case could arise.

More importantly, we are still in the flu season which still poses a high risk to the vulnerable people in our community, more so than the Coronavirus. It is critical for everyone to do their part to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses (Coronavirus or the flu) by following a few simple measures:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and/or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Avoid touching your nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 
  • Avoid close unprotected contact with people who are sick.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue to cover it and then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect any frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

Coronavirus Symptoms

The Coronavirus starts with a fever, followed by a dry cough and then a week after that, shortness of breath. Elderly people and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease are more likely to experience challenges with the Coronavirus.  

If you have flu-like symptoms, please go see a doctor. This also reemphasizes why getting the flu shot is so important: a flu shot isn’t always about yourself as much as it is about protecting vulnerable young or elderly people who are more at risk with whom you may come into contact with. Stopping the spread of respiratory viruses like the flu could save their lives. 

While we do not believe we will experience an epidemic in our area and if for some reason we did, there is no better-prepared health system to take care of you than your Singing River Health System.  

Lee Bond, CEO