The influenza virus is spreading rapidly and health officials are urging everyone to take greater precaution to prevent contracting the virus and spreading it to others.

Nancy Anthony, infection control nurse at Greater Regional Medical Center, said the virus is so bad, the medical center is restricting visitors and asking anyone with a cough or flu symptoms to use masks, which are available at all the check-in desks and nurses’ stations.

Louann Snodgrass, executive director of continuum of care at Greater Regional said there is a lot of illness this time of year.