Reported flu cases are up across the region –– so much so that the Bradford Regional Medical Center has been restricted to visitors 17 years old and older, except obstetrics/maternity, until further notice.
Those who come to the hospital with respiratory or flu-like symptoms will be given a face mask to prevent further transmission of germs. Those who aren’t feeling well or suspect they have influenza should not visit the hospital, except to seek medical care, officials said.
From Oct. 1 through Jan. 6, the state Department of Health reports that Elk County has logged 65 cases of the flu; Potter County, 50; Cameron County, 29; and McKean County, 19.
“This is not an unusual step to take when influenza season kicks in. It’s a preventative measure to help protect, staff, patients and visitors from spreading the influenza virus,” said Janene Dunn, spokeswoman for BRMC.
Other hospitals also revised visitation because of the flu, she said.
Symptoms of influenza include cough, sore throat, fever, chills, congestion/runny nose, fatigue and body aches.
“Cases of the flu in Pennsylvania are currently increasing at the same pace as in other years,” said state Department of Health spokeswoman April Hutcheson. “It is typical for us to begin to see more flu activity as we head into the coldest part of the winter.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccine for those 6 months of age and older as the initial and most important step in protecting against the flu.
“It is not possible to predict what one flu season will be like versus another,” said Nate Wardle, emergency preparedness public information officer for the state Department of Health. “While the flu occurs every season, the timing, severity, type of influenza viruses and other factors that work to determine the type of flu season varies from one year to another.”
In an effort to prevent the spread of germs, hospital officials are asking that individuals avoid close contact with people who are sick and to stay home when ill. Individuals should also cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
“Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer,” hospital officials said. “Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.”
Hospital officials also said that people should practice other good health habits.
“Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food,” officials said.
The state Department of Health says that prescription medications can be used to treat the influenza illness.
“These drugs work best if given within 48 hours of when symptoms start,” Wardle said. “The CDC recommends that people who are at high-risk for serious flu complications and who get flu symptoms during flu season be treated with flu antiviral drugs as quickly as possible.”
Individuals who are not at high risk for serious flu complications may also be treated with flu antiviral drugs, particularly if treatment can start within 48 hours.
