MGH Implements Visitor Restrictions Due to High Influenza Activity

The Indiana State Department of Health has reported that influenza is picking up rapidly across the state. The district that Grant County is a part of, has the highest percentage of influenza-like illness across the state. Marion Health has hospitalized more patients so far this year than were hospitalized for the entire flu season last year.

As a result, Marion Health has decided to implement visitor restrictions in order to protect our patients from transmission of the flu:

• Only adult immediate family/significant others as identified by the patient will be allowed to visit.
• Visitors under the age of 18 will not be allowed to visit.
• Visitors who have flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, chills or muscle aches will not be allowed.
• Masks will be available to patients with flu-like symptoms.
• Guests will be asked to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer often while in the building.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza is primarily a community-based infection that is transmitted in households and community settings. Children, people over 65, and those with medical conditions are at a much higher risk for catching the flu.

In order to continue to protect our newborns and young patients, the Family Birthing Center and Pediatrics will only allow immediate parents, guardian or caregiver, grandparents, and labor coach to visit patients and infants.

Moving to a restricted visitation policy was not done hastily or lightly, but with the influx of influenza cases in Grant County, we must put the health and wellness of those being treated and working at Marion Health first.

While we know this policy may cause inconvenience for our patients and family members, we hope you understand and appreciate our ultimate goal is the protection of our patients and Healthcare Community.

Exceptions can be made by the care team in the event of special circumstances (e.g., patient is near the end of life).

For more information on the Marion Health temporary restriction policy or how you can protect yourself from influenza, please visit the MGH website at www.mgh.net or www.flu.gov.