Genesis Hospital Experiencing High Respiratory Viral Illness Volumes

Monday, January 5, 2026

Visitor restrictions in place

In response to the high incidence of respiratory viral illnesses like COVID-19, flu and RSV in our area, Genesis HealthCare System is requesting the support of the community to protect patients and help prevent the spread of these illnesses.

Visitation is limited in all areas of Genesis Hospital to:

Individuals age 18 and older
Immediate family only
Two visitors per patient
Those free of respiratory illness symptoms including cough, fever, sore throat, body aches and vomiting

Flu symptoms typically last three days to two weeks. Most people can recover at home without medical care. However, if there are emergency warning signs of flu in children or adults as outlined below, go to the Emergency Department immediately. People with mild flu symptoms are advised to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations: stay home and call their physician if there are concerns about a risk of complications. If community members come to the hospital and are not sick with the flu, they may run the risk of catching it.

When to go to the hospital: Emergency warning signs in children

Signs include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color-lips or face
Ribs pulling in with each breath
Chest pain
Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
Dehydration-not drinking enough fluids (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
Not waking up or not interacting
Fever above 104 degrees that is not controlled by fever-reducing medication
Any fever in children younger than 12 weeks
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Seizures
Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
Worsening of chronic medical conditions

When to go to the hospital: Emergency warning signs in adults

Signs include: