Hospitals impose visitor restrictions as flu activity rises

Local hospitals are imposing visitor restrictions as flu activity continues to rise.

The number of flu cases and flu-related hospitalizations is increasing in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Last week, nearly one-third of all people tested for flu at Legacy Health facilities were positive, according to Legacy Health.

In response to the increased hospitalizations, Legacy hospitals, including Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center, are allowing only two visitors per patient at one time. In addition, hospital visitors 18 years old and younger are limited to immediate family members.

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center is asking people who are experiencing symptoms of illness, such as a fever higher than 100 degrees, cough or sore throat, to not visit the hospital. PeaceHealth Southwest is also limiting the number of visitors at one time to two members of the patient’s immediate family or close contacts.

If influenza cases continue to increase as expected, PeaceHealth Southwest is also prepared to implement additional precautions in special care units at the hospital, including intensive care units (adult, cardiovascular and neonatal) and the Family Birth Center. Those additional precautions could include health screenings, restriction of visitors younger than 12 years old (excluding siblings), restriction of visitors to include only family and to visit time limitations.

Widespread flu

The flu is widespread is most states, including Washington.

The flu positivity rate in Clark County — the percent of influenza tests done that come back positive — was nearly 41 percent during the week of Christmas, the most recent data available.

That same week, the positivity rate was about 27 percent statewide and 30 percent across the country.

Increased flu activity isn’t unusual at this time of year.

The last couple of years, Clark County flu activity has picked up in late November and early December. Local flu activity has been highest in late December and January, though it can peak as late as March and April, as it did a few years ago, according to county flu data.

Even though flu activity is widespread in Washington, health officials still recommend flu shots for those who haven’t been vaccinated.