-- Officials at Huntsville-area hospitals are asking people to limit their general visits to facilities as much as possible due to an increase in flu cases in the city.
Burr Ingram, vice president of communications and marketing for Huntsville Hospital, sent out a statement this afternoon citing the "best health interests" of patients and staff.
"Persons experiencing symptoms such as fever, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, chills and fatigue should not visit the hospital unless you are coming to receive care," the statement read. "If visiting is required, please take proper health precautions, including hand hygiene and appropriate mask."
that the annual flu season may be hitting its peak. As of last week, 35 states, including Alabama, were reporting widespread flu activity.
The describe the term "widespread" as meaning that more than 50% of the geographic regions in a state, such as counties, are reporting flu activity. The designation addresses the spread of the flu, but not its severity.
The most widespread activity last week was seen in portions of the South and Southwest U.S., . The most common strain of flu being reported is the H1N1 strain, otherwise known as swine flu.
Thus far, this year's flu season is not proving to be as severe as last year's.