Precautions expand as sickness spreads
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HANNIBAL, MO. -- You'll be seeing a lot of these as you enter hospitals these days.
In the past few weeks, hospitals have seen an influx of patients with influenza like illnesses. Because of those high numbers, Hannibal Regional Hospital has stepped up its precautionary measures and expanded that to its visitors.
"We're asking if people would not visit if they're feeling ill. We're also asking children not to visit the hospital," said Hannibal Regional Hospital's Infection Preventionist Keith Griffeth
Griffeth says he feels these precautions will help minimize exposure of influenza to visitors and staff. The hospital also has respiratory etiquette stations located throughout the facility to remind people to stay healthy.
Griffeth says,"The idea is to have sanitizer available, masks available, and tissues."
And he says people seem to be getting the message.
"I think the media attention has really helped. I see more people coughing into their sleeve. I see more people utilizing masks and sanitizer. I think more people are aware of the dangers and the risks of transmitting disease,"Griffeth said.
Here's how numbers stack up at hospitals in our area. As of Wednesday, McDonough District Hospital has seen 10 to 15 more patients a day.
Ft. Madison Community Hospital told us their its numbers have doubled. Blessing Hospital has seen the most influx of patients with an average of 220 each day. Typically, Blessing's Emergency Room sees about 160 to 170 per day.
If you have questions about H-1-N-1 or other illnesses you can call the Adams County Flu hotline at 217-277-5900 or Hannibal Regional Hospital's hotline at 1-888-426-6425 or their website atwww.HRHonline.org
