Local hospitals are restricting patient visits in an effort to stop the spread of the flu. IU Health Starke and LaPorte Hospitals are asking that only healthy adults age 18 or older visit patients in the hospital and that they avoid bringing children along.
They’re also limiting each patient to two visitors at a time. The hospitals ask those with flu- or cold-like symptoms who are coming for treatment to put on a protective mask when they enter. They also remind the public that simple steps, like washing hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, can go a long way in slowing down the spread of the flu.
IU Health Starke and LaPorte Hospitals put the restrictions into place this week, after experiencing a slight increase in the number of flu cases. They say the temporary policy will remain in effect until further notice.
More information about the flu can be found on the Indiana State Department of Health website.
