PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Rhode Island's hospitals have seen a spike in the number of influenza cases coming through the doors in recent weeks.
State Health Director Dr. David Gifford says his department monitors emergency rooms, clinics, hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other locations for confirmed flu cases or flulike symptoms and has seen an increase in line with national jumps.
A spokeswoman for Rhode Island Hospital says the facility had 164 flu patients between January 27 and Sunday.
Miriam Hospital in Providence reported a similar spike, the most in three years.
Health officials are urging the standard precautions, including flu shots and frequent hand washing. If you get the flu, get bed rest and drink plenty of fluids.
------Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.projo.com/
