UT Medical Center places restrictions on visitors as flu cases increase
Ryan WiluszFive East Tennessee school districts cancelled school this week as multiple illnesses spread through the region, and UT Medical Center is now taking precautionary steps to stop illnesses from spreading further.
The hospital announced Friday that it is placing restrictions on visitors as the number of flu cases increase throughout the region.
According to a news release, no one younger than 12 is allowed to visit the medical center. The same goes for anyone with signs of illness, such as coughing, congestion or an upset stomach.
The only exceptions are for people in those categories who are seeking medical care.
"Placing these limitations on visits to the hospital is done in an effort to prevent the spread of the flu and to protect the health and safety of our patients, visitors and staff," read the release.
The medical center did not state how long the restrictions will last.
A dramatic spike in flu cases
Joshua Gass, a pharmacist at Belew Drug on Washington Pike, previously told Knox News there’s been a “steady flux of Tamiflu” prescriptions. The anti-viral medication aims to lessen flu symptoms.
Children and adults have been affected, while strep throat and other upper-respiratory illnesses have also been common, Gass said.
East Tennessee Children's Hospital saw a dramatic spike in positive flu tests between Jan. 28 and Feb. 3, according to information provided by public relations manager Erica Estep.
ETCH experienced 139 positive flu tests that week, compared to just 38 three weeks before.
While Knox County schools were closed Thursday and Friday, the custodial staff worked to disinfect the nearly 90 school buildings.
Their focus was on hard surfaces, restrooms and water fountains.
Multiple other school districts closed for illness, including Union County Public Schools, Monroe County Schools, Lenoir City Schools and Anderson County Schools
What you should know about the flu
According to UT Medical Center, flu season peaks between December and March. The flu can be spread by coughing or sneezing, as well as by touching your mouth or nose with infected hands.
While UT Medical Center encourages people to get a flu shot to prevent the virus, there are other ways to prevent it from spreading:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- If you are sick, stay home and rest
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing
- Avoid touching your face after touching any other objects.
- Wash your hands
Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, muscle aches, extreme tiredness, sore throat, dry cough, runny nose and stuffy nose.
Those who come in contact with the virus can be contagious up to five days.
People who develop the flu should stay home, drink plenty of liquids, take over-the-counter medicine recommended by a doctor and ask about medications to lessen the symptoms.
People also should avoid alcohol and smoking after developing the flu, according to UT.
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