Hannibal Regional Hospital Urging People With Flu Symptoms to Stay Away

Hannibal Regional Hospital officials are urging people with flu-like symptoms to avoid visiting loved ones.

The hospital forwarded the following news release to the station:

We have seen an increase in people experiencing respiratory illness, and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is reporting widespread influenza to CDC.  To promote the well-being of our patients, team members and volunteers, an Infection Prevention decision has been made to request that persons refrain from visiting at the hospital if exhibiting signs of influenza,” states Mary Bennett RN, CIC, Infection Preventionist with Hannibal Regional Hospital.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever over 100
• Aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nasal congestion

People should seek medical care with their primary care physician or go to the HRH Emergency Department right away if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Fever with a rash

Adult:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Adult or Children

• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough

One of the best ways to protect yourself from getting the flu is to constantly wash your hands with hot water and soap for at least 15 to 20 seconds at a time.  Of course, the other way is to get the flu shot. Most shots given today really won’t take full effect for approximately 2 weeks later so you could still acquire the flu after getting the vaccination.