Kane County sees increase in flu cases
AURORA, Ill. (WLS) -- One hospital is taking extra precautions as Kane County has seen an uptick in flu cases recently.
Presence Mercy Medical Center is conducting symptom checks after an increase in the number of people with flu-like symptoms coming into their emergency room.
"Usually earlier on we have a trickle in of a few patients then over time it increases. So when we start increasing to 40, 50, 60 people that are coming in, across all age groups, then it's obviously concerning," said Laura Marconnet, Presence Mercy Medical Center.
The Aurora hospital also began restricting hospital visitors, not allowing anyone under 18-years-old to visit any unit and only two visitors over the age of 18 at one time. Essential visitors with flu symptoms will be given a face mask.
It's all an attempt to stop the further spread of the illness.
Kane County Health Department officials say it's unclear what caused the increase as they continue to monitor the situation.
"There's never a time where you can say 'we're out of it,' that's why we always encourage vaccination," said Urhe Onwuta, Kane County Health Department assistant director.
The flu bug increase happened over the last two weeks and is affecting a wide range of age groups - not just kids and the elderly. And because flu season can last until May, doctors at VNA Healthcare Clinic are encouraging their patients who haven't already to still get a flu shot.
"Although it's never too late to vaccinate, if people want vaccination we have them," said Claire Dobbins, VNA Healthcare.
Health officials say because the flu season got a late start, the number of people getting sick could be on the rise.
Still, Aurora resident William Lorman, who did not get a flu shot this year, says he's going to take his chances.
"I know friends who have taken a flu shot and have benefitted from it, but I don't believe in it," he said.
Health officials are reminding the public about the "Three C's": clean your hands, cover your cough and contain the illness.
