Some Chicago-area hospitals have started to restrict patients coming in for flu-related symptoms after a spike in cases unusual for this part of the season, according to the Chicago Tribune.
A milder winter this flu season may be a contributing factor for the late-season peak in flu virus cases, which traditionally occurs in Chicago in early January — for the week of Dec. 26 hospitals reported 49 intensive care admissions for flu, compared to 326 for the week ending Feb. 27, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
In an effort to curb the influx of patients seeking care for the flu, Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill., has implemented a ban on visitors younger than 18 who may be carrying the flu but don't know it yet, and for adults with flu-like symptoms due to overcrowding in emergency rooms. Northwestern Memorial and Prentice Women's hospital in Chicago have also implemented restrictions, saying anyone experiencing flu symptoms should stay home, the Tribune reports.
Rather than visiting the hospital, clinicians recommend considering a flu shot if an individual hasn't already been vaccinated and washing hands frequently, as visiting a hospital for flu-like symptoms not only leads to overcrowding but puts those receiving treatment in the hospital for other conditions at risk of contracting the virus.