Flu outbreak forces hospital restrictions

Kalispell Regional Healthcare and North Valley Hospital announced visitor restrictions last week because of an influenza outbreak in the Flathead Valley.

Until further notice, no visitors age 13 and younger will be allowed in the hospitals, and no patients will be allowed to have more than two visitors at a time. All symptomatic visitors — those exhibiting flu-like symptoms — will be asked to wear masks and restrict themselves from public spaces.

Hand sanitizer dispensers will be available, and visitors are asked to wash their hands before and after visiting a patient. Extreme case-specific issues, such as end-of-life concerns, may warrant a reconsideration of these restrictions, based on individual circumstances.

Hospital officials say more than 130 cases have been reported so far in the Flathead Valley, and it doesn’t show signs of slowing down.

“Nationwide, people are becoming very sick with the H3N2 strain of Influenza A, which mutated from the strain covered in the vaccine distributed for this flu season,” KRH spokeswoman Nancy Kimball said. “Even if you have been vaccinated this year, it is possible for you to acquire Influenza A. However, it will be a much milder, short-lived illness for you.”

This year’s flu vaccine is only 23 percent effective among patients who report to doctors and hospitals, the worst performance in a decade. Health officials still recommend people take this year’s flu vaccine.

For more information, contact Kalispell Regional Healthcare at 406-751.5389 or North Valley Hospital at 406-863-3500. For national information on the flu, visit online at www.flu.gov.