Because seasonal flu activity and influenza-like illness has reached a widespread level in the area, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center and its Care Center are restricting visitors to protect its patients and residents.

Visitors are limited to immediate family only. All children should not visit during this time as influenza is currently being seen heavily in the younger population. If a person must visit under special circumstances such as a dying patient or resident, they must wear a mask the entire time in the facility. CRMC is also asking people not to enter the facility if they have flu-like symptoms or have been around someone in the past seven days with fever, muscle aches or extreme fatigue, congestion, cough, sore throat or chills.

On December 19, the Minnesota Department of Health declared that influenza in Minnesota is widespread. There has been a significant increase in the amount of lab positive influenza, RSV cases, school outbreaks, and higher numbers of influenza-like illness being seen in the clinics. Influenza symptoms usually begin suddenly and can be mild to severe.  Symptoms of influenza include; fever, cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, and body aches. To protect yourself and others from the flu, get vaccinated, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, clean commonly touched surfaces, do not share cups or straws, and wash and or sanitize your hands often.     

People can still get a flu shot at CRMC, call 218-545-7000 for an appointment. It takes about two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination and protection lasts throughout the flu season.

Additional flu information is available from the Minnesota Department of Health at http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/basics/flufacts.pdf

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