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Local hospital implementing visitor restrictions to prevent spread of flu

Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital is announcing a temporary visitor restriction policy to help prevent the spread of flu.

Officials say limiting visitors is necessary to protect patients, families and team members from potential exposure to the flu virus.

This temporary policy goes into effect tomorrow.

IU Health Arnett is also asking families to limit the number of relatives and friends accompanying patients to the emergency room, outpatient surgery waiting rooms and procedure areas, and primary care and specialist physician offices.

The temporary visitor restrictions mean:

  • Patient visitors are limited to two healthy adults (18 years of age and older) at any one time.
  • Siblings and visitors under 18 years of age will not be allowed to visit patients.
  • Visitors who have flu-like symptoms will not be allowed. We ask that visitors “self-screen” for these symptoms prior to their visit.
  • Flu-like symptoms include fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and, sometimes, diarrhea and nausea occurs in children. Symptoms usually start about 1 – 4 days after being exposed and last 2 – 7 days.
  • Guests will be asked to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer often while in the building.