With an increase of influenza activity across the state, Greene County Medical Center has announced some voluntary changes to protect patients and residents from the flu.

The medical center is discouraging visitors from coming to the medical center to see patients or residents in the hospital or Long Term Care at this time. Some things to keep in mind if you are feeling ill and need to go to the hospital: cover your cough by using a tissue or your upper arm, clean your hands every time you cough, sneeze or use a tissue; and possibly wear a mask if coughing or sneezing excessively. 

Greene County Public Health Immunizations Manager Jill Hanson describes how long the flu can last if someone contracts the illness. 

“A bout of the flu can typically last 1-2 weeks, with the severe symptoms lasting between 2-3 days. I always describe it to people as feeling like you’ve been hit by a Mack truck.”

The symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body ache, headache, and fatigue or tiredness. Hanson recommends getting immunized as the best protection against the flu.