The flu virus has been running rampant in and around the Owensboro area.  Owensboro Health is now taking precautions to prevent further spread inside the hospital.

Effective immediately, Owensboro Health has restrictions in place until further notice that will limit the chances that someone who has the flu won't pass the infection onto patients.

According to an OHRH press release, the hospital had 88 positive influenza rapid tests over the previous seven days.

And, thus far, in January, Owensboro Health has recorded 140 cases of the flu.

Visitor restrictions at OHRH include the following actions:

- Visitors should be kept to a minimum and should only include persons essential for the patient's care and emotional well-being.
- No children under age 18 will be allowed to visit patients.
- Anyone with a cold, respiratory illness or flu symptoms(fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose and/or sneezing, muscle/body aches, headaches and fatigue) is asked to refrain from visiting.

This is a nasty flu season. Protect yourselves. Protect others.

More From WOMI-AM