Flathead County is experiencing a widespread outbreak of influenza, prompting hospital officials to restrict visitation at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Over 190 cases of the flu have been reported in the county recently, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department. To protect patients and staff, KRMC is temporarily restricting visitation, according to hospital spokesperson Nancy Kimball.
No visitors 13 or younger are allowed in the hospital and patients will only be allowed two visitors at a time, Kimball said. Anyone who comes inside is encouraged to wear a protective mask, which will be provided at the front desk.
Restrictions apply to all members of the public visiting the hospital, including staff, contractors and delivery personnel.
“These efforts are being taken to keep patients and staff safe,” Kimball said.
“It is important to note that the flu virus can be transmitted before someone feels sick, and for awhile after recovery. A person can carry the flu without knowing it, putting hospital patients at risk if precautions such as covering your cough are not followed.”
Kimball said extreme case-specific issues, such as end-of-life concerns, may warrant a reconsideration of these restrictions, based on individual circumstances.
People across the nation are becoming very sick with the H3N2 strain of influenza A, which mutated from the strain covered in the vaccine distributed this season.
“Even if you have been vaccinated this year, it is possible for you to acquire Influenza A,” she said. “However, it will be a much milder, short-lived illness for you.”
Flu activity has increased across the state in recent weeks, with over 540 cases reported between Dec. 28 and Jan. 3. The most cases have been reported in Northwest Montana, according to the state Department of Public Health and Human Services. Nearly 200 people across the state have been hospitalized with the flu since late September and two deaths have been attributed to influenza.
Click here to view statewide flu data.
Kimball recommended drop-in daycare centers as a solution for those who need to visit the hospital without children.
Updated Jan. 15 — Local health officials provided an update on the number of flu cases in the county. There were 192 confirmed cases and 19 hospitalizations as of Jan. 9.