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> Rampaging regional FLU OUTBREAK
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post Jan 10 2018, 07:47 AM
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Flu cases on the rise, prompting area hospitals to restrict visitors

Lu Ann Franklin Times Correspondent

Coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, chills, muscle aches and fatigue — these familiar symptoms of influenza have spread rapidly through the Region bringing people of all ages to emergency rooms, clinics and doctors’ offices for treatment.

As of Dec. 31, the Indiana State Department of Health reported influenza-like illnesses were widespread throughout the state, resulting in 25 deaths so far this season.

A respiratory illness, influenza or flu can be a dangerous infection especially for babies and young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

“It’s important to remember that not everyone with flu will have a fever,” the CDC website states. “Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.”

Hospital groups throughout Northwest Indiana report more people with respiratory illnesses seeking treatment, especially over the last few weeks.

“Overall the Northwest Indiana campuses of the Franciscan Alliance are seeing increased numbers of influenza and other respiratory illnesses,” said Sue Feldman, RN, infection preventionist at Franciscan Health Munster. In addition to the Munster location, Franciscan Alliance hospitals are located in Crown Point, Dyer, Hammond and Michigan City.

“We’ve had an influx of respiratory illnesses,” said Stacey Kellogg, community relations regional manager for Porter Regional Health Care facilities in Valparaiso, Portage and LaPorte as well as affiliated physician offices.

That same scenario has unfolded at the Northwest Indiana Urgent Care clinic in Munster.

“The past two to three weeks, we have seen more people with fevers, coughs, vomiting and abdominal pain,” said a spokesperson. “We are taking nasal swabs to run tests for the flu.”

More patients with flu-like symptoms also are being seen in the emergency departments at Methodist Hospitals Northlake, according to Janis Astle, RN, emergency department manager at Methodist Hospital Northlake in Gary.

“We ask visitors to wear masks in the Emergency Department when they’re with a potential flu patient,” Astle said. “Patients and visitors to the ED who are actively coughing may be asked to wear masks in the ED.”

Methodist Hospitals also has seen a sharp increase in the number of patients with influenza in the past few weeks, said Patricia Mancos, infection control officer.

She said that anyone who is coughing may be asked to wear a mask when entering the facility. We encourage visitors to “visit by phone” when they are ill.

All area hospitals have instituted enhanced visitor restrictions due to the uptick in influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

“Preventing transmission of the influenza virus and other infectious agents within all health care settings requires a multifaceted approach,” Feldman said.

How to prevent spread of respiratory illnesses

Health care professionals remind everyone that many respiratory illnesses besides the flu are transmitted when a person coughs, sneezes or touches surfaces with contaminated hands.

Respiratory Hygiene

• Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze. Politely ask others to do the same.

• If you do not have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow to cover your nose and mouth.

• If you have a respiratory illness and are seeing a health care professional, please ask for a mask to cover your nose and mouth.

Hand Hygiene

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

• Try to keep your hands away from your face.

• If you do not have soap and water available, use alcohol hand sanitizer.

What to do if you become ill

• Do not share your eating utensils or sips of drinks if you are ill.

• It would be best to stay home if you are ill.

• Remember there are many respiratory illnesses besides influenza that are also circulating this time of year and they all may cause other complications.

• Take any medication ordered by your health care provider as directed.

• If you are ill and unsure of what to do, see your health care provider.

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