By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Two people have died from influenza in McLean County, and area hospitals are taking precautions to make sure the infection doesn’t spread to their patients.

Melissa Graven, the McLean County Health Department’s communicable disease supervisor, said flu-related deaths happen each season, typically to the elderly and the very young. What is unusual is these deaths happened earlier than normal.

A McLean County resident is one of those who died. The other was an out-of-state resident passing through the area with family.

Graven told WJBC’s Sam Wood this year’s circulating H3N2 strain may have mutated. She said the best option is to get a flu shot, and people who are sick should stay home.

“Keep them home until they’re fever-free for at least 24 hours without having to use an antipyretic like Tylenol or Motrin,” said Graven.

An antipyretic is a fever-reducing medication.

“If you have a fever, but you take Tylenol and it goes down, you still shouldn’t be going to work, and you still shouldn’t be going to school, because although you may feel better, you’re still able to pass that infection along,” Graven said.

Meantime, OSF St. Joseph and Advocate BroMenn Medical Centers released statements Wednesday saying people younger than 18 are not allowed to visit patients because of the flu and other upper respiratory illnesses.

Advocate BroMenn is allowing only two visitors at a time.

The restrictions also effect Advocate Eureka Hospital and Pontiac’s OSF St. James – John W. Albrecht Medical Center.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]