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Flu Hitting Central Illinois Hard
From coast to coast, a growing number of Americans are battling the flu. Many hospitals and doctors are overrun with patients. Nearly all 50 states are reporting widespread activity, Illinois being on of them. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports 27 people have died in recent months from flu-like symptoms.
The emergency room at Memorial Medical Center the past several weeks has been busy with many patients battling the flu.
"The first reported was November 14," Memorial Infection Control Director Dr. Steven O'Marro said. "There are 15 inpatients and more than 300 outpatient reported as positive for influenza for screening tests."
The virus is spreading across the country, and central Illinois is no different. So what is making this year different from years past?
"I think this virus is a little bit less recognized by the population," O'Marro said.
Hospitals across central Illinois are seeing more and more patients with flu-like symptoms. At St. John's hospital, they report 25 diagnosed cases of the flu so far. Last year at this time, they had one. Children and the elderly make up most of their patients.
At St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, from October to December in 2011, they had three diagnosed flu cases. During the same period in 2012, they report a staggering 154 cases.
At Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville, they have treated five positive flu cases since January 1. The hospital has also instituted a "flu alert." That means they are asking people to limit their exposure to others, pregnant women are wearing masks, and workers who didn't get a flu shot now must wear a mask.
"November through March is when we see the biggest rise in upper respiratory stuff," Dr. Jason Kegg from the SIU School of Medicine said. "This may, depending on how our winter is, hold out longer."
In many cases, health experts say you should contact your health professional before you head to the ER if feel like you have flu-like symptoms. They say the majority of people suffering from the flu simply need to stay home, rest, and let the flu run its course. Children and seniors, those who are pregnant, and those who have an underlying lung disease, however, should probably go to the ER.
Health experts are still encouraging you to get a flu shot. The flu season normally runs through March. Many pharmacies and county health departments offer flu shots. To reduce the spread of the flu, wash you hands with soap and warm water, cover your mouth when cough or sneeze, and, if you are sick, stay home.
Flu Hitting Central Illinois Hard
From coast to coast, a growing number of Americans are battling the flu. Many hospitals and doctors are overrun with patients. Nearly all 50 states are reporting widespread activity, Illinois being on of them. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports 27 people have died in recent months from flu-like symptoms.
The emergency room at Memorial Medical Center the past several weeks has been busy with many patients battling the flu.
"The first reported was November 14," Memorial Infection Control Director Dr. Steven O'Marro said. "There are 15 inpatients and more than 300 outpatient reported as positive for influenza for screening tests."
The virus is spreading across the country, and central Illinois is no different. So what is making this year different from years past?
"I think this virus is a little bit less recognized by the population," O'Marro said.
Hospitals across central Illinois are seeing more and more patients with flu-like symptoms. At St. John's hospital, they report 25 diagnosed cases of the flu so far. Last year at this time, they had one. Children and the elderly make up most of their patients.
At St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, from October to December in 2011, they had three diagnosed flu cases. During the same period in 2012, they report a staggering 154 cases.
At Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville, they have treated five positive flu cases since January 1. The hospital has also instituted a "flu alert." That means they are asking people to limit their exposure to others, pregnant women are wearing masks, and workers who didn't get a flu shot now must wear a mask.
"November through March is when we see the biggest rise in upper respiratory stuff," Dr. Jason Kegg from the SIU School of Medicine said. "This may, depending on how our winter is, hold out longer."
In many cases, health experts say you should contact your health professional before you head to the ER if feel like you have flu-like symptoms. They say the majority of people suffering from the flu simply need to stay home, rest, and let the flu run its course. Children and seniors, those who are pregnant, and those who have an underlying lung disease, however, should probably go to the ER.
Health experts are still encouraging you to get a flu shot. The flu season normally runs through March. Many pharmacies and county health departments offer flu shots. To reduce the spread of the flu, wash you hands with soap and warm water, cover your mouth when cough or sneeze, and, if you are sick, stay home.
