EVANSVILLE — Flu diagnoses in the region have ramped up significantly in recent days.
Health care providers are encouraging residents to get flu shots and take basic precautions to contain the virus.
Over the last two weeks, St. Vincent Evansville has reported a 15.8 percent positive rate for influenza testing at its emergency and inpatient facilities (57 of 360 tests), a significant increase.
“This past week has been when we’ve seen a big increase into the teens,” said Dr. Heidi M. Dunniway, chief medical officer for St. Vincent Evansville.
Even more significant, Dunniway said, is the fact that all but one of the positive diagnoses have been for Influenza A, which is considered more powerful than other strains.
Influenza A is not covered quite as well by the flu vaccine and covers a greater risk of complications, especially for those with other chronic health conditions, those who are pregnant, young children and people over 65.
Deaconess Health System also has seen "a dramatic increase" in positive flu test results among those visiting emergency rooms and urgent care centers, said Cherona Hajewski, vice president and chief nurse executive.
Dunniway and Hajewski said it’s recommended that those who have not had flu shots this season get one. Other steps include frequent hand washing, covering coughs, disinfecting surfaces and minimizing contact with those who are sick.
More: Flu widespread in 36 states, CDC reports
Those experiencing symptoms such as fever or respiratory issues should get tested for flu.
The spike in local flu cases in the region has led area hospitals, including St. Vincent and Deaconess facilities, to place restrictions on visitation.
The restrictions include:
- No visitors with influenza-like symptoms in the hospitals. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, fever, chills, aches, runny or stuffy nose, vomiting or diarrhea.
- No visitors age 15 or younger.
- No visitors other than immediate family or other significant persons as defined by the patient.
Exceptions may be made for cases involving critically ill patients and end-of-life situations. Some restrictions may be modified to accommodate healthy siblings of newborn babies.
Regional hospitals developed these restrictions using recommendations from the Vanderburgh County Health Department. Local health departments work with the state department of health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor the spread of diseases such as flu.
All hospital visitors are encouraged to wash hands frequently and wear protective face masks to protect patients from the spread of flu.
Hospitals using the guidelines are Deaconess Health System (Midtown, Gateway and Cross Pointe), The Heart Hospital, The Women’s Hospital, HealthSouth Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital, St. Vincent Evansville, St. Vincent Warrick, Daviess Community Hospital in Washington, Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes and Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in Jasper.