Flu outbreak forces hospitals to restrict visitors

North Valley Hospital in Whitefish is imposing restrictions on visitors to the hospital because of a number of influenza cases in the Flathead Valley.

Visitors age 13 and younger will not be allowed in the hospital, unless they are a patient or part of a family group coming into the emergency room.

No patient will be allowed more than two visitors at a time. All visitors who exhibit flu-like symptoms will be asked to wear masks and restrict themselves from public spaces.

As always, visitors are asked to wash their hands before and after visiting a patient.

More than 130 influenza cases have been reported in the Flathead. Kalispell Regional Medical Center has also imposed similar restrictions.

End of life situations and children visiting parents in the Birth Center, will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.

To prevent the spread of the flu, it’s important to wash hands often with soap and water, and cover coughs and sneezes.

For questions, contact North Valley Hospital at 863-3500.