With the onset of the flu season in full swing, Tri-County Health Care (TCHC) is restricting hospital visitors to immediate family over the age of 18, considering they are free from flu symptoms.
"It is our responsibility to protect our patients and our communities," said Chief Medical Officer John S. Pate in a press release.
Because influenza is an airborne virus that spreads by coughing and sneezing, it is important to limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
Although flu symptoms are felt throughout the body, patients with this year's strain of flu are most often demonstrating symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills and fatigue. Anyone with these symptoms is asked by health officials to stay home, treat their fever, drink plenty of water and get ample rest. In case of an emergency, people should seek medical help immediately.
