Give us a Call! 855-429-7633
      Associate Links
Hays Medical Center
  • Home
  • Services
  • Providers
  • Careers
  • About Us
  • Patients & Visitors
  • News
  • Home
  • Services
  • Providers
  • Careers
  • About Us
  • Patients & Visitors
  • News

Blog

Hays Medical Center > Community Health > Flu season increasing local physician visits, not hospitalizations

Flu season increasing local physician visits, not hospitalizations

By Gayla Wichman - In Community Health, HaysMed News, The Center News - February 7, 2018

By Kaley Conner – Hays Daily News
February 6, 2018

January often is considered a peak month for seasonal influenza illness, and while national reports indicate continued widespread flu activity in most states — including Kansas — local officials say the situation in Hays has not been as severe.

A Hays Medical Center official confirmed last week local physicians are seeing increased flu activity, though most patients seeing their doctor for illness are testing negative for influenza. There also has not been a significant increase in the number of residents hospitalized for flu, said Kimberly Koerner, infection prevention officer at HaysMed.

“This may in part be due to the free influenza vaccines HaysMed has offered the community for the past 16 years, which is sponsored by the HaysMed Foundation,” Koerner said. “Associates at HaysMed are also provided with a free influenza vaccination on an annual basis.”

The hospital was recognized by the Immunization Action Coalition in 2016 for its vaccination practices.

Health officials are saying it is not too late to get a flu shot, as the seasonal illness sometimes can linger until late March.

HaysMed’s Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic also has seen increased traffic from patients presenting with flu-like symptoms, though the majority of them are not testing positive for influenza, Koerner said.

Confirmed local cases of influenza have been mostly strains of Influenza A, with just a few cases of Influenza B reported, she said.

This year’s flu vaccine is not an exact match for a prevalent strain of virus, with effectiveness estimated at approximately 30 percent, Koerner said, noting a vaccine still is encouraged as it could help prevent potential complications.

Other prevention measures include frequent hand washing with soap or an alcohol-based hand rub and avoiding contact with people who are sick. Koerner also said it’s helpful to sanitize frequently used household objects, such as cellphones, television remotes and door knobs.

“Most people who get influenza will recover within a few days up to two weeks without medical care or antiviral medications,” Koerner said. “If you are sick, it is important to stay at home unless you need to seek medical attention. Wash your hands frequently, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.”

In rare cases, the flu can cause secondary complications such as bacterial infection. Patients should contact a doctor immediately if an illness seems to be getting worse instead of better or causes symptoms such as confusion, shortness of breath, fast heart rate, fever or extreme pain.

Tags: flu,  hays,  hays ks,  hays medical center,  hays medical center foundation,  haysmed
← HaysMed to Launch 2018 Community Health Needs Assessment Update
HaysMed Implements Visitor Restrictions →
Related Posts

Upcoming Events

  1. Community Blood Screening February 6, 2021

    February 6 @ 6:30 am - 10:00 am
  2. Community Blood Screening March 6, 2021

    March 6 @ 6:30 am - 10:00 am
  3. Community Blood Screening April 10, 2021

    April 10 @ 6:30 am - 10:00 am
  4. Community Blood Screening May 1, 2021

    May 1 @ 6:30 am - 10:00 am
  5. Community Blood Screening May 4, 2021 (Hadley Rooms)

    May 4 @ 6:30 am - 10:00 am

View All Events

Recent Posts

  • Ellis County Vaccination Information: Vaccinations for Phase 2 will start Tuesday, January 26
    January 22, 2021
  • HaysMed Recognized for Energy Reduction Efforts
    January 22, 2021
  • HaysMed Launches 2021 Community Health Needs Assessment
    January 21, 2021
  • HaysMed Clarifies COVID-19 Vaccine Information
    January 13, 2021
  • HaysMed Honors Nurses Completing the RN Residency Program
    January 12, 2021
  • COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment Update
    January 11, 2021
  • HaysMed Welcomes New Cardiologist
    December 4, 2020
  • The University of Kansas Health System to Host a Virtual RN Hiring Event December 3 for Greater Kansas
    November 23, 2020
  • HaysMed Issues Update on COVID-19 Community Spread
    November 13, 2020
  • HaysMed Associate Receives Respiratory Therapist of the Year Award
    November 11, 2020

Contact HaysMed

Send us an Email

Hays Medical Center
855-429-7633
2220 Canterbury Dr
Hays, KS 67601

Keep in Touch!

    

Search

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • July 2013
  • March 2013
© Hays Medical Center
Nondiscrimination Statement | Patients Rights & Responsibilities | Notice of Privacy Practices