Flu season is here and St. Francis Hospital Chief Nursing Officer John Peipert says they have seen an increase in patients with symptoms.

Flu symptoms include fever, aches, weakness, chest discomfort and cough. He said the outbreak has been particularly bad among teenagers and higher than expected within the school age population. The Litchfield School District canceled school last Thursday and Friday because of the outbreak.

Peipert stressed that during the flu season, it is important that individuals stay home if at all possible and limit contact with elderly, newborns and pregnant women. The hospital is asking individuals to limit visits to patients in the hospital unless absolutely necessary.

Universal precautions to help prevent the spread of infection include washing your hands often with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds and using a towel to turn off the faucet.

Peipert also encourages people to use disinfectant wipes on surfaces such as faucets, toilets, door knobs and counter tops often to help get rid of germs, and follow the Centers for Disease Control recommendation to stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone to reduce the risk of exposing others.

For more information about the flu such as preventive steps, symptoms or caring for someone who is sick, check out the CDC website at cdc.gov.