Masks recommended to stop spread of flu

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - With the flu on the rise throughout Virginia and the country, health officials are asking patients and visitors to wear masks in certain areas.

According to Bon Secours, patients and visitors should wear masks when entering hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, urgent care centers and branch clinics, including patients seeking outpatient services at hospitals. Masks are also recommended for those seeking care at associated primary care physicians.

Seasonal flu cases are double that of this time in 2012 and Virginia is currently in its third straight week of widespread flu. This is the highest category of flu activity.

“Medical evidence suggests infected persons can transmit the virus as much as 24 hours before displaying symptoms,” Bon Secours said. “This recommendation will help protect patients, visitors, and staff from exposure to flu, even before symptoms occur.“

"We've already seen more patients in January, even though we're at day nine of January than we saw in all of January last year," Dr. Scott Miller with Sentara Leigh Hospital said.