The flu season was relatively quiet areawide — until recently.
Flu is ending its normal season with a bang, according to Newman Regional Health infection preventionist Ester Knobloch.
Knobloch says the flu virus often mutates as the season wears on, meaning flu strains become more contagious. There also happens to be an H3 variant affecting the area currently after an H1 strain was noticed early on.
Patient restrictions continue at the hospital until further notice. Children under age 12 are discouraged from visiting, and visitors are encouraged to follow guidance from any isolation signs in case they are seeing patients.
Flu season typically lasts through March and occasionally goes into April. Symptoms hit suddenly, including fever, chills, headache, sore throat and fatigue. To limit the spread of the flu, get a flu shot. Health experts say there are vaccines still available. Also, make sure your hands are clean by washing your hands or using hand sanitizers. If you get sick, stay home until you’re fever-free for 24 hours.
