HaysMed: 27% of patients tested for flu in Jan. were positive

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Visitor restrictions will remain in effect at HaysMed through the end of March.

The restrictions were implemented Feb. 7 due to an increase in influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Signs noting the restrictions are posted at the main entrances to alert visitors not to visit if they have symptoms of influenza, respiratory illness, or are 12 years of age or younger.

“When visitor restrictions went into effect, we had six patients admitted with influenza to the hospital,” said Kimberly Koerner, infection prevention Officer at HaysMed.

Koerner also said the HaysMed clinics, including the walk-in clinic at Big Creek Crossing, are “seeing a much higher number of flu patients.”

According to Koerner, 27 percent of patients screened for flu in January at HaysMed tested positive for the virus.

High flu activity was reported in 43 states on Feb. 3 according to the CDC. (Click to enlarge)

Reporting information from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ending Feb. 3, shows 43 states, including Kansas, experienced high flu activity.

CDC recommends getting a flu shot by the end of October if possible. However, getting a vaccine later in the season is still beneficial. HaysMed offers flu vaccines through the end of March to anyone 6 months of age and older.

The Ellis County Health Department in Hays also has flu vaccines available.