Preventing spread of flu still important after hospitals lift visitor restrictions

flu shot
The McLean County Health Department says getting a flu shot is still the best way to prevent the disease’s spread. (Photo courtesy Flickr/USACEEuropeDis)

By Greg Halbleib

BLOOMINGTON – The two Bloomington-Normal hospitals have lifted visitor restrictions imposed last month due to a spike in flu, but the McLean County Health Department’s Melissa Graven says you should still do your best to prevent the spread of the disease.

Graven said it’s not just for yourself, but for others who have a more difficult time fighting the flu.

“The little ones and our older population, flu hits them a lot harder,” Graven said. “It can cause a lot more complications such as pneumonia, they can be hospitalized and even lead to death.”

Graven suggests following the three Cs to prevent the spread of germs–clean hands and surfaces, cover your cough and sneeze and contain germs by staying home if you’re sick.

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