Flu cases on the rise across Illinois
With winter about half over, Illinois' public health department is reporting widespread flu activity.
Many hospitals are seeing an increase in cases they say is typical for early February.
There have been 33 flu-linked intensive care cases in Chicago since October, including 13 late last month and mostly in adults.
Starting this week at Chicago's Rush University Medical Center, all visitors are being screened and those with flu symptoms told to go home. Those who are cleared get a yellow sticker to wear during their visit.
At Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, visitors with a cough are asked to wear masks as are hospital employees who are exempt from a mandatory flu shot policy. Dr. Jorge Parada says that's usual policy during flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the No. 1 way to avoid getting the flu is to get the flu vaccine.
And the key way to avoid spreading the flu: Stay home from work when you're sick.
A recent survey by CareerBuilder found that 72 percent of workers go to the office despite being sick, and more than 55 percent say they feel guilty if they call in sick.
Despite feelings of guilt and fears about job security, experts say staying home will help prevent others from catching your illness. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after a fever subsides.
In addition to getting the vaccine, the CDC recommends the following to avoid catching the flu:
Avoid close contact
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.
Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Clean your hands
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
Practice other good health habits
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.