Due to the flu, hospitals in Marion County start imposing visitor limits

Indianapolis, Indiana – In order to prevent the flu and other respiratory ailments from spreading quickly, new, temporary limitations will need to be followed by anybody who wishes to visit a hospital in Marion County.

The following guidelines were effective on Monday:

• No visitors with symptoms of influenza.
• No visitors under the age of 18.
• Visitors limited to two immediate family members as identified by the patient.

Hospitals affiliated with Ascension St. Vincent, Community Health Network, Eskenazi Health, Franciscan Health Indianapolis, and Indiana University Health are among those engaging in the temporary visitor restrictions.

“Flu is hitting Marion County hard right now and much earlier than it has in recent years,” Dr. Virginia Caine, Marion County Public Health Department director and chief medical officer, said in a statement. “These restrictions are part of a multi-faceted effort to help protect the most vulnerable patients in our community from the flu virus, which can cause significant illness and, in certain cases, lead to extended hospitalization or death.”

The rate of influenza-like illness recorded in patients at Marion County emergency rooms during the week of Nov. 20–26 was the highest in ten years. Children between the ages of 5 and 17 had the highest incidence of influenza-like illness.

Before visiting, visitors should check the hospital’s website or give them a call to find out more about any limitations and possible exceptions. In specific circumstances, such as those involving the end of life, special arrangements can be created to permit additional visitors or younger guests.

Other hospitals, like Franciscan Health Carmel, Franciscan Health Mooresville, IU Health Saxony Hospital, and IU Health Tipton Hospital, have also implemented visitation limits.