Lee Health increases visitation restrictions for children amid flu spike

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Flu season is in full force and Lee Health says it’s seeing four times its average patients for flu cases this year.

With this spike, they’re now increasing visitation restrictions for those who are most vulnerable.

Children 12 years old and younger will no longer be able to visit Lee Health hospitals.

A partial restriction was implemented on Jan. 5 for portions of Lee Health hospitals. The updated restriction is in effect until further notice and applies to the following Lee Health hospitals:

  • Cape Coral Hospital
  • Gulf Coast Medical Center
  • HealthPark Medical Center
  • Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida
  • Lee Memorial Hospital.

However, there will be exceptions in place for “compassionate care” visits, according to a hospital statement.

MOREThe flu is hitting the US and Southwest Florida HARD

Lee Health urges county residents to take the following precautions during flu season:

  • Get the flu vaccine, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine
  • Practice good hand by washing hands often
  • Stay home when you are ill
  • Cover your cough and dispose of tissues in a waste receptacle

Symptoms of he flu include fever, feeling feverish or having chills, cough, sore throught, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue, according to the health system.

The health system advises, if you experience flu-like symptoms, visit a primary doctor, Lee Health Convenient Care, walk-in or urgent care center.

RESOURCES:

Influenza tracking map map: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm

Flu shot locator: http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/flu-prevention/locate-a-flu-shot.html

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