FARMINGTON — Given the spike in illnesses throughout the region, including the flu, Franklin Memorial Hospital is asking that anyone who feels sick or has a fever, sore throat or cough to not visit patients at the hospital.

The request is to protect the most-vulnerable patients and newborns. All hospital visitors must be feeling well and must wash their hands before and after entering any unit, according to the statement.

Influenza in Maine is widespread, with laboratory-confirmed influenza reported in all 16 counties. Maine’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory has confirmed that most strains are circulating in the region and much of the state.

For more information, contact Rebecca Wood, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer, at 207-779-3113.