TIFTON — Tift Regional Medical Center has temporarily closed its community flu clinic located at the TRMC West Campus (Affinity building) due to underutilization. The TRMC Community Flu Clinic, staffed by mid-level providers under physician supervision, was open in the afternoons Monday through Friday for walk-in patients only and did not require an appointment. The clinic will re-open if the need arises during the flu season.

“We opened this clinic back in August because area physician offices and the hospital’s emergency room were flooded with patients concerned about having seasonal or swine flu,” said Dr. William Guest, chairman of the TRMC Infection Disease Committee. “But, it appears that demand has leveled off and patients are seeking care from other resources in the community.”

Guest said that if TRMC begins to see a large surge of flu cases in the community, the clinic will re-open to supplement the emergency room and local providers.

“Though the flu clinic has closed, the flu pandemic is still a concern in South Central Georgia and residents should still take precautions to limit exposure,” said Guest. “Take time to get a flu vaccine when available. Take everyday preventive actions. Cover your nose and mouth; wash your hands often with soap and water; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. And, take flu antiviral drugs if your healthcare provider recommends them.”

Like most hospitals, TRMC is currently not allowing people under age 18 to visit inpatients or wait in the hospital’s surgery waiting area. Younger people are more likely to carry novel H1N1 (swine) flu. Exceptions can be made in the case of a terminal relative or other special circumstance. Parents and guardians are asked to consult with the unit nurse manager. The policy does not apply to the emergency room.

Guest added that only immediate, adult caregivers should visit a patient at the hospital, and certain risk groups for the flu — pregnant women and individuals 65 or older — are also discouraged from coming into the hospital unless they need to be there.

“Any adult with cold, fever or flu-like symptoms should wait until they feel better before visiting TRMC,” said Guest. Flu-like symptoms include fever and chills; cough or sore throat; body aches or headache; runny nose/congestion; fatigue (tiredness); and nausea and/or vomiting.