East Central Reporter

To ward off influenza, the Sarah Bush Lincoln group of health care facilities has elected to impose temporary restrictions on visitors based on age and health factors, based on the Centers for Disease Control’s advice.

Hospital guests under the age of 18 who have a cough or cold are asked to stay off the premises, and the number of visitors is limited to two individuals at a time. The flu can range in severity, and certain populations such as the elderly and the young are at higher risk for complications.

“We want to ensure that our patients and our community are as protected as possible when it comes to exposure to the flu,” Ramona Tomshack, Infection Control, said. “This is simply one step we are taking to help limit the number of influenza cases in our area.”

Seasonal vaccinations may help prevent contracting the illness, especially for those who deal with the public in everyday situations. Washing one’s hands can also help prevent the virus from spreading.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based near Atlanta, Georgia, advises individuals who develop flu-like symptoms — such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea — to stay home, rest and avoid contact with others with the exception of obtaining medical care. Most flu patients do not require serious intervention.