Batesville, In. — Effective Jan. 3, Margaret Mary Health is implementing visitor restrictions to minimize the spread of respiratory illnesses, including the flu. The following precautionary restrictions apply to visitation at the hospital’s main campus located at 321 Mitchell Ave., Batesville:
- No visitation by anyone who is currently ill or has been ill within the last 48 hours with any respiratory symptoms, including but not limited to, cough, fever, muscle aches, runny nose, sore throat, etc.
- No visitation by anyone under the age of 14. Children in this age group are more likely to be carrying viral or other contagious illnesses even if they are not showing active symptoms. Even if they do not get sick themselves, they can pass these illnesses on to our patients.
- In our Maternity Services Unit, the hospital will make the exception of restrictions for a newborn’s sibling(s) who are well at the time of the visit, as deemed by the Maternity Services staff.
“We have seen an increase in the number of patients diagnosed in our emergency room and physician offices with the flu and other respiratory illnesses, such as RSV,” said Deanna Youngman, Margaret Mary’s Infection Prevention Coordinator. “To keep both you and your family members safe, it’s important you cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue or use your sleeve, wash your hands often and stay home when you are sick. The CDC also recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protection against flu viruses.”
During flu season, families should also limit the number of relatives and friends accompanying patients to the hospital and/or doctor visits.
Margaret Mary is working to protect our patients as much as possible from exposure to respiratory illnesses by providing seasonal flu vaccines to staff and implementing “respiratory etiquette” practices. The hospital has also made hand sanitizer, tissues and facemasks available to both patients and visitors at the entrances of all hospital facilities.
It’s not too late to get your flu shot. Call our Occupational Health & Wellness Center at 812.932.5105 for more information.
