Area hospitals are vigilant against the spread of flu. Floyd Medical Center, Polk Medical Center and Cherokee Medical Center have all opted to restrict visitors in order to decrease the chances of patients and hospital staff catching the flu and other contagious diseases, according to an FMC release.
These restrictions include:
- No visitors other than immediate family members or other people approved by the patient
- No visitors younger than 13
- No visitors with flu-like symptoms, which include cough, sore throat, fever, chills, aches, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting or diarrhea
Exceptions to these restrictions may be made for cases involving critically ill patients and end-of-life situations.
Influenza can cause serious complications and possibly even death, especially in the very young, the elderly and those with existing medical conditions.