Memorial among hospitals restricting visitors as flu cases increase

ByLocal Sources Reading Time: 2 minutes

As influenza A cases in the tristate region climb, area hospitals are imposing temporary visitor restrictions as part of the Community Patient Safety Coalition of Southwest Indiana/Kentucky (CPSC).

The Indiana Influenza dashboard has reported 57 deaths so far this season. Of those, 41 were individuals over the age of 65. https://www.in.gov/health/idepd/respiratory-disease/influenza/influenza-dashboard/

On Tuesday, the state moved the influenza infection rate from “high” to “very high.” According to data compiled from emergency room reports from 119 hospitals across the state, 6.21 percent of patients reporting to emergency rooms have influenza-like symptoms this week, up 1.44 percent from last week. This is considered the peak time for respiratory illnesses.

The local hospital restrictions are designed to protect the most vulnerable patients and include:

  • No visitors with symptoms of illness such as sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, and runny nose.
  • No visitors under the age of 16.

Masks will be available and encouraged for guests by the facility. Visitors should observe the standard practices of washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes when around others, and as always, visitors who are ill are asked to stay home.

Special arrangements can be made with each facility to allow additional visitors or younger visitors based on circumstances, such as births or end of life.

Vaccines are currently available for flu, RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19. RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and for adults ages 60 and older. Flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine are available and recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.

“Vaccination is an important tool in reducing the spread of influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Through vaccination, we can help protect ourselves and those around us who are at higher risk of severe infection or even death,” according to one CPSC leader. “It’s not too late this season for vaccination, and we encourage individuals to speak with their medical provider about which vaccines are recommended for them.”

The Community Patient Safety Coalition of Southwest Indiana/Kentucky (CPSC) is comprised of clinical leaders from the following hospitals, along with the Indiana Hospital Association and the Vanderburgh County Health Department:

  • Ascension St. Vincent Evansville
  • Deaconess Health System (Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois)
  • Ascension St. Vincent Orthopedic Hospital
  • Good Samaritan Hospital
  • Ascension St. Vincent Warrick
  • Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation
  • Daviess Community Hospital
  • Select Specialty Hospital
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