Flu Continues To Spread Throughout Area Hospitals
By Jericka Duncan
UPLAND, Pa. (CBS) - The flu continues to spread throughout area hospitals. This flu season the Pennsylvania Health Department reports 22 flu-related deaths, New Jersey reports two children have died and in Delaware the flu is now considered widespread.
"I think this is a wicked flu," said 73-year-old Jean Ventresca.
She says her body aches, her head hurts and she has a fever. Thursday she went to the emergency room at Crozer Chester Medical Center.
Dr. Bruce Nisbet says based on her symptoms she likely has the flu. But since she's been sick for five days, at this point there's nothing he can do to make her feel better.
"Continue to use Tylenol, take plenty of fluids," said Dr. Nisbet.
A Lehigh Valley Hospital spokesperson confirms an infant died from influenza. The hospitals Salisbury Township location is still seeing flu patients in tents outside the Emergency Room.
Cooper University Hospital changed its visitor's policy to stop the spread of influenza.
Some of the new guidelines include:
- 2 visitors per patient,
- no visitors under 18 and
- ill patients are advised to wear masks.
