Hospitals take precaution in flu season

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Flu season is in full swing and just like you might be taking steps to keep yourself from getting sick, hospitals aren't taking any chances either.

The emergency room at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital is much busier than usual. Many walking in with signs of the flu.

"Our volumes actually have gone up about 35 to 40 percent based on just the flu virus," said Dr. Oliver Mayorga, "but there's actually some other viruses out there that interestingly enough are not the flu, but they're giving the same symptoms too."

Last year they sent out 115 flu tests and 10 were positive. Already this year, they've sent out 187 tests with 56 positive. An early spike prompting the New London hospital to join others in restricting visitors under 18 who are among the most vulnerable.

"Elderly, small children are high risk for severe illness so we're seeing quite a few of them as well," Dr. Mayorga.

An empty bed is actually a rare sight these days at the hospital. And that's because not only are a lot of people coming into the emergency room, but if they have to stay they have to get another bed upstairs.

Those beds and the face masks are going fast. The hospital is giving them out to also help stop the spread of the airborne illness.

"You have to be essentially coughed on or it can be spread by saliva and so, no, just standing here I think we're safe," Dr. Mayorga said.

Dr. Mayorga says everyone can reduce their chances of catching the flu by following a couple of simple rules.

"Always wash hands, cover your mouth when you cough, and wash your hands again," said Dr. Mayorga.

Anyone suffering from the flu can tell you they're precautions worth taking.