Battling the Flu | Video

Sarahbeth Ackerman | 1/15/2013

As the number of flu cases increase, some Minot restaurants are taking extra precautions. The influenza cases are starting to peak throughout the community and the region. Doctors all over are trying to educate people on the virus. "Influenza is a viral illness, it is spread by droplet contact. So, when you cough or sneeze millions of droplets with viruses get into the air and then other people can contract that disease," said Jeffrey Sather, ER Physician Trinity Health.

With the virus spreading quickly, businesses like Charlie`s Restaurant is making sure their employees are germ free. "Even today, one person said she was really not feeling well. So, I sent her home and right away I replaced that person with somebody else," said owner Geewon Anderson.

Anderson says she will do everything on her end to make sure the virus does not spread throughout her kitchen. But, she can`t always predict what kind of viruses are being carried into her restaurant on a daily basis. "There is so much that I can do, but hopefully people have some common sense not to come in when you are sick. Especially not to go out in public and sneeze. Hopefully, they do have some sense. But, if I cannot eliminate a 100 percent of whatever they are carrying in, at least I feel, my job is to make sure my kitchen staff is clean."

Many of the viruses could be found in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and even restaurants. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself and others around you. "The best way to protect themselves is to avoid contact with people who could have influenza, cover your mouth when you cough, and good hand washing techniques and good personal hygiene," said Sather.

Anderson says once her employees wash down the tables and chairs, she cleans them again just as precaution.

We can only hope that these precautions are enough to prevent the virus from spreading.

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