BANGOR (NEWS CENTER Maine) - The flu has sent hundreds of Mainers to the hospital, and people over the age of 65 are some of the most affected by the virus.
The Center for Disease Control is calling this year's flu season an epidemic. More than 60 long term care facilities in Maine have reported outbreaks.
Lynn Johnston has worked as the infection preventionist at the Maine Veterans Home in Bangor for 11 years. It's her job to help prevent the spread of infections at the facility.
"We haven't seen this level of flu-related hospitalizations in quite some time," Johnston said.
Last week the CDC said that one in ten deaths in the U.S. were cause by the flu or pneumonia.
Johnston says there hasn't been a severe outbreak at her facility, but employees are still taking precautions.
Visitors to the facility are greeted by signs all over the buildings entrance and lobby area. The signs warn people who have had flu-like symptoms in the last 24 hours to visit at another time.
"I think it's concerning for anyone working with the elderly." Johnston said.
The elderly are typically more prone to catch the flu, whether they're in a nursing home or even in their own home.
Johnston has advice for families who care for loved ones at home.
"When you have people coming in to visit maybe the children on grandchildren, you want to make sure they're cleaning their hands" - simple reminders to help stop the spread of the virus.