Flu Outbreak Prompts Restrictions on Hospital Visits

While getting a flu shot still protects you, the manager of infection control at Northwest Community Healthcare told NBC 5 this year’s vaccine has been less effective than hoped, resulting in a huge spike in patients with the flu

Some Chicago-area hospitals are instituting restrictions on visitors in response to the worsening flu outbreak.

While getting a flu shot still protects you, the manager of infection control at Northwest Community Healthcare told NBC 5 this year’s vaccine has been less effective than hoped, resulting in a huge spike in patients with the flu.

Dr. Jacqueline Corboy, Northwest Community Hospital’s pediatric attending physician, said they are seeing multiple family members coming in all at the same time.

With the height of the holiday season approaching, Corboy said they are bracing for the outbreak to get worse.

“There are more family gatherings, more spread of infection, more close interactions between be people,” Corboy told NBC 5.

That is why some Chicago area hospitals are instituting restrictions, such as no visitors under the age of 18, in an effort to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Corboy asks visitors that are coming to see a sick relative or friend to leave their children at home, noting that schools and daycares are carriers for many different illnesses.

If you're one of the unlucky ones who got the flu vaccine and still got sick, like Northwest Community Hospital’s Dr. Scott Samlan, the best thing you can do is stay at home.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay at home, watch some TV, take Motrin and have a loved one take care of you,” Samlan said.

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