Numbers released this week show the flu is still hitting people across the state of South Dakota. According to the Center for Disease Control, the elderly are among the most vulnerable, but one nursing home is fighting the flu and winning.

Visiting her dad Frank Lynch at Avera Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, Pat Westrup is happy to see him healthy. Halfway through the flu season, Prince of Peace has had only one case of the flu this year.

"Usually, if we do get one or two cases it can skyrocket, if you're not careful and so we've been really careful as each year comes along," said RN coordinator Sheryl Eades.

This season, Prince of Peace gave every resident a flu shot and offered it to staff members. Hand sanitizers can be found upon entering every room in the building.

"We don't need the flu going through here and doctors took some precautions and put some signs up and told us if we've been sick, we should stay away and of course that makes good sense, so we have." said Westrup.

The signs at are at each doorway to the building. Said Eades, "And we wanted to make sure that they should not come into the facility if they were ill or if a family member is ill and they've been very, very understanding."

Westrup doesn't mind a few less visits if it keeps her dad healthy because his health is what matters to her. Said Westrup, "We don't need the flu out here in the nursing home. So, I'll stay away. I can talk to him on the telephone and I know the staff is taking excellent care. Excellent care."

Prince of Peace plans on taking the extra precautions to prevent the flu until the season is done and over with.

Drew Sandholm can be reached at (605) 373-7372.