IU Health Announces Temporary Visitor Restrictions To Prevent Flu Outbreak

Last updated on Monday, December 15, 2014

(BLOOMINGTON) - Indiana is bracing for what is expected to be a severe flu season.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this season's most predominant strain--the H3N2 strain of influenza A - is historically known to cause more hospitalizations and deaths.

Indiana University Health is taking the precautionary measure of limiting patient visitors to its hospitals to protect patients, families and team members from unnecessary potential exposure to the flu virus.

This temporary policy goes into effect today for IU Health Bloomington Hospital, IU Health Bedford Hospital, and IU Health Paoli Hospital in south central Indiana.

IU Health Morgan Hospital, located in Martinsville, will implement restrictions beginning Wednesday.

Most IU Health hospitals throughout the state will also be implementing these voluntary restrictions next week, including IU Health Methodist Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health in Indianapolis.

IU Health is also asking families to limit the number of relatives and friends accompanying patients to the emergency room, outpatient surgery waiting rooms and procedure areas, and primary care and specialist physician offices.

The temporary visitor restrictions mean:

Only adult immediate family as identified by patient will be allowed to visit patients.
Siblings and visitors under 18 years of age will not be allowed to visit patients.
Visitors who have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills or muscle aches, will not be allowed.
Patients with flu-like symptoms will be asked to wear a surgical or isolation mask.
Signage will be posted throughout facilities.
Masks will be available to patients with flu-like symptoms.
Exceptions can be made by the care team in the event of special circumstances (e.g. patient is near the end of life).
Guests will be asked to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer often while in the building.

If you have any questions about visiting patients in the hospital while these restrictions are in place, please contact your local IU Health hospital.

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