Flu-Related ER Visits Nearly Triple In Will County

WILL COUNTY, IL — This winter's flu season is one of the worst in years, with cases skyrocketing across the country. Will County is no different. Will County Health Department Epidemiologist Alpesh Patel said in a release a certain statistic at the end of December told the story quite well.

“From Dec. 25 to 31, Will County hospital emergency rooms had 860 visitors with flu-like symptoms, compared to 391 during the same week the previous year," Patel said. "Of those 860 tested for Influenza, 384 came up positive. There is a lot of illness out there. We need to increase our prevention efforts and minimize human interaction where we can.”

Patel added in the release that the precautions needed at this time apply to everyone from citizens to health care facilities around the county.

“If you are sick, you need to stay home and not be around other people, loved ones or co-workers. Hand hygiene has to be extremely important, along with covering when we cough and sneeze.”

In addition, Patel said facilities need to reschedule visits that are not related to the flu.

“If you need to see the doctor for your flu symptoms, you need to come in," he said. "But if you have the flu and had a planned visit for a regular checkup or another condition, you should call on the phone and reschedule for another time. There is no need to be sitting in a common area and spreading around more flu than we already have.”

This may also include restrictions on visitors who may be in the hospital for long term care.

“Visitation restrictions are typical during times like these,” Patel explained in a release. “You need to check with the facility you are visiting, and of course make sure all the visitors are healthy if you are still allowed to come in.”

People need to also follow proper etiquette during the flu season.

“People with flu can spread it to others who are up to about six feet away,” Patel said in a release. “Most experts believe that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk."

Patel said these droplets can land in the mouths or noses of those who are nearby, or the droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. People can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it, and then touching their own mouth or nose. Those objects can include doorknobs and handles, stair rails, buttons, gas pumps, and gym equipment.

“This is why it is so important to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub," Patel said.

Patel added that most adults can infect other people with the flu starting one day before symptoms develop, and then up to five to seven days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days.

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