CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Southwest Ohio hospitals are beginning to take extra precautions, including limited visitation, as flu season ramps up, according to a news release from The Health Collaborative.<\/p>\n
The organization announced Thursday that hospitals in the Tri-State area are implementing limited visitation policies to reduce respiratory illnesses.<\/p>\n
Numerous hospitals in the region have adopted new rules for visitors, including the following:<\/p>\n
No visitation by anyone who is ill and showing respiratory symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, etc.Patients are limited to one visitor at a time, except for patients under 18No visitation by anyone under 14<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease help protect others by preventing the spread of germs,\u201d Tiffany Mattingly, vice president of The Health Collaborative, said. \u201cIf you are feeling unwell, whether with a cold, cough, flu, COVID-19 or another respiratory illness, avoid visiting patients in hospitals or other healthcare settings. The safest choice is to stay home until you are well. If you must be around others, wear a mask, cover your cough or sneeze, and wash or sanitize your hands often.\u201d <\/p>\n
The announcement went on to explain that some hospitals with high-risk individuals, such as transplant, ICU, burn, pediatric or obstetrics patients, may implement additional rules and safeguards to protect those in the facilities.<\/p>\n
The Health Collective also stressed the importance of a flu shot for everyone 6 months and older, unless those with medical exemptions, as well as practice good hygiene, as flu season kicks off.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not too late to get your flu shot,\u201d Mattingly added. \u201cEven as flu season ramps up, vaccination can help protect you and those around you. This year\u2019s flu vaccine is widely available.\u201d<\/p>\n
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