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Rise in flu cases causes Allina to restrict visitation. Here's who should stay home

Saint Paul Pioneer Press - 1/21/2019

Jan. 21--Starting Tuesday, Allina Health will implement new patient visitation guidelines in what officials say is an effort to stave off an influenza epidemic.

Seasonal flu is now widespread throughout Minnesota, state health officials said in its latest flu update. Based on indicators such as the number of outbreaks in schools and long-term care facilities, the state's caseload is expected to increase this week, said Doug Schultz, a spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Health.

So far, 218 Minnesotans have been hospitalized with influenza and seven people have died this flu season, which started the first week of October. Those numbers are much lower than last year's numbers -- 6,446 hospitalizations and 435 deaths, which were among the worst in many years, Schultz said.

No pediatric influenza-related deaths have been reported thus far; five were reported last year, he said.

Allina Health is asking people who are sick -- and all children under age 5 -- to refrain from visiting patients in the hospital. Visitors with a cough or sore throat will be asked to wear masks while in the building. Visitors are asked to wash hands or use antibacterial hand cleanser during their visits.

Compassionate exceptions may be considered based on a patient's condition.

-- Allina Health locations include:

-- Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis;

-- Phillips Eye Institute in Minneapolis;

-- United Hospital in St. Paul;

-- Buffalo Hospital;

-- Cambridge Medical Center;

-- Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute -- Transitional Rehabilitation Program inpatient care in Golden Valley;

-- District One Hospital in Faribault;

-- Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids;

-- Mercy Hospital-Unity Campus in Fridley;

-- New Ulm Medical Center;

-- Owatonna Hospital;

-- Regina Hospital in Hastings;

-- St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee;

-- River Falls, Wis., Area Hospital.

People who have influenza can pass it on to others 24 hours before they develop symptoms.

"That's the tough part about flu," Schultz said. "You may have influenza without having the symptoms."

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LATEST MINNESOTA FLU REPORT

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