Genesis Hospitals limits visitors during flu season - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Genesis Hospitals limits visitors during flu season

By: Christine Souders csouders@cbs4qc.com

Flu season is here, and some Quad Cities hospitals are now putting tougher restrictions on visitors.  Genesis wants to protect their most vulnerable patients, and if necessary Genesis said they will ask visitors who show signs of the flu to leave.  Quad Citians we talked to said they are doing what they can to avoid getting the flu.

"Making sure to wash my hands to get rid of all the extra bacteria," said Chris Pauwels.

 "Drinking lots of fluids and especially watching certain food I eat," said Valerie Rogers.

"I followed my mom's advice, I got the flu shot and just got to stay active and keep moving I guess," said Danielle Kimler.

And just in time, for the past two weeks, Genesis hospitals in the Quad Cities said they've treated and admitted more flu patients than usual for this time of year.

"The strains that are circulating are all covered in the vaccine, so that's why if you haven't had your vaccine yet, it's a really good time to get it now," said Lisa Caffery who is a nurse in the Infection Prevention Unit at Genesis West. 

She said if you haven't gotten the flu shot, whether or not you're sick, you could still have the flu without knowing it, "You could be carrying it and spreading it, but not feel bad, but the next person who comes along, who has a weak immune system could become very ill."

And Caffery said their hospitals aren't taking any chances, "We would ask you'd put a mask on at entrances and always do your hand washing when you're seeing your loved one before and after entering their rooms."

If you want to get a flu shot, Genesis has a list of places you can go!