AtlantiCare Flu Cases Nearly Double This Time Last Year

GALLOWAY, NJ — AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center has seen a 97 percent increase in positive flu cases compared to this time last year. ARMC expanded its temporary visitor restrictions because of an increase in patients testing positive for flu. Visitors under 14 are temporarily prohibited.

The restriction, which began Friday, applies to the Mainland and Atlantic City campuses, along with the AtlantiCare Cancer Care Institute in Egg Harbor Township and Cape May Court House.

AtlantiCare facilities have treated 195 patients who tested positive for flu from Jan. 28 to Wednesday. That's a 97 percent increase compared to this time a year ago, according to Division of Infectious Diseases Director Manish Trivedi.

"Patients have ranged from five months to 89 years of age," Trivedi said. "We’re also seeing patients who have two strains of flu or a flu strain and another respiratory virus."

AtlantiCare's statistics don't include patients who sought care for flu symptoms through AtlantiCare’s Primary Care Plus or Urgent Care sites.

The hospital recommends that anyone experiencing flu symptoms and other respiratory illnesses call their primary care or urgent care provider or pediatrician for guidance on treatment. Anyone seeking a provider can call the AtlantiCare Access Center at 1-888-569-1000.

AtlantiCare continues to urge the community to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for protecting themselves and other against flu. They include ensuring those six months and older get the flu vaccine, washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when sick.

Year-round AtlantiCare restricts anyone with a fever of 100 or above and any of the following from visiting all areas of the hospital and its ambulatory care sites:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Vomiting and diarrhea

“Our patients who have health issues that impact their immunity are more susceptible to flu and other illnesses,” Trivedi said. “We are taking this precautionary measure to protect them, their families, and our community.”

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