Increased seasonal flu activity has prompted area medical centers to ask the public to voluntarily limit hospital visits. (CNS file/Gregory A. Shemitz)

Increased flu activity has resulted in many hospitals in Central Illinois, including those in the OSF HealthCare System, to ask the public to voluntarily limit visits as a precautionary measure to protect patients, visitors, and staff from spreading the flu and other upper respiratory illnesses.

News releases from OSF HealthCare in early January cited guidelines from the Illinois Department of Health that suggest:

• Visitors should be at least 18 years of age or older to minimize exposure of patients to children.
• Individuals who are not feeling well or have had flu-like symptoms in the past seven days should not visit hospitalized patients.
• Remembering to cough or sneeze into your arm or shoulder or use a tissue.
• Washing hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based foam/gel when entering and leaving a patient’s room.

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