IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County Healthcare System on Monday called on potential visitors to stay away from the Iron Mountain hospital if they show any signs of illness.

In its announcement, officials said although DCHS has not put a visitor restriction policy in place at this point for Dickinson County Memorial Hospital, they asked that “all visitors please do not visit if you are exhibiting signs of cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat and or diarrhea. Thank you for your assistance in respecting the health of our patients.”

The request comes amid an early onset of the flu season that has been reported across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed the flu as widespread in all 50 states except Hawaii.

Though flu cases usually peak in February, this season got an early start in December and surged over the holidays, according to the CDC.

In December, UP Health System-Marquette and Bel in Marquette began restricting visitors due to the high numbers of respiratory illness and influenza. The restrictions included its Family Birthing Center and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.