IRON RIVER — Aspirus Iron River Hospital and Clinics is restricting visitors at the hospital in response to an increase in flu illness in the area.

The restriction are:

— No more than two visitors for any patient;

— No visitors younger than age 12;

— No visitors who have any cold or flu-like symptoms.

Emergency room patients also are encouraged to only have with them those people who are absolutely necessary, as the hospital is seeing increased cases there as well.

Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold, as it usually comes on suddenly. According to the CDC, people who are sick with flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue or tiredness. Some may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children.