At the request of Marion County health officials, an announcement today hospitals in Indianapolis are limiting visitors and instituting restrictions to keep the flu from spreading.  On Tuesday, Franciscan Alliance Lake County hospitals in Crown Point, Dyer, Hammond and Munster announced visitor restrictions and the removal of toys and reading materials from waiting rooms. State health officials this week reported 21 influenza-related deaths in Indiana this flu season. They say two of the individuals were under the age of 18.
Here's the news release from Franciscan Alliance:
Franciscan Alliance Lake County hospitals have adopted temporary visitor restrictions in an effort to help prevent spread of the influenza virus.
The measures, effective at Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point, Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer and Hammond and Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster, include:
     * People exhibiting flu-like symptoms are asked to not come to the hospitals to visit. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, or fever of more than 100 degrees.
     * Visitors under age 18 will not be permitted.
     * No more than two persons at a time may visit a patient and visiting hours will be strictly enforced.
     * Visitors are asked to sanitize their hands before coming into the hospitals and to wash their hands often, especially before entering a patient’s room and upon leaving. Hospitals are equipped with hand sanitizer units, as well.
     * Reading materials and toys in many cases have been removed from waiting rooms.
Visitors are thanked for their cooperation to help the hospitals minimize the impact of the virus.
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