In an attempt to combat the spread of the flu, some area hospitals are urging the public to limit patient visits.
"We are asking the general public to limit visits to the hospital. Flu can be spread by visitors who may be infected without knowing it," said Francine Hovanec, vice president of acute care services in the Westmoreland Health System.
"As a result, they may infect someone with an already weakened or compromised system, thereby advancing the spread of the flu and other respiratory infections within the hospital," Hovanec said.
Westmoreland Health System includes Westmoreland Regional Hospital in Greensburg and Frick Hospital in Mt. Pleasant.
Although Latrobe Area Hospital has not issued a public warning this flu season, its visitation policy recommends limiting visits if someone has a cold or is stricken with some other respiratory infection, according to hospital spokeswoman Robin Jennings.
"That guideline is always in place," she said.
Hovanec said the reason for the public warning this season is the higher number of flu cases.
Dr. Angelo DeMezza, Westmoreland's chief medical officer, said one way to limit the spread of the flu is to ask people not to visit friends or family members at the hospital if that person shows a sign of illness such as a scratchy throat, lingering cough, fever or other symptoms of illness.
Hovanec and DeMezza also urged people to use standard precautions such as covering the nose and mouth when coughing, using tissues and disposing of them properly, and washing hands after contact with respiratory secretions.
