Multiple area hospitals have imposed visitor restrictions to try to keep influenza from spreading even more during the peak of flu season.
Despite those hospitals reporting typical winter rates for influenza, the airborne virus is usually most potent between October and March, causing not only hospitals, but Johnson County schools to take precautions when it comes to people who may be carrying the virus.
On Friday, Franciscan Health Hospitals in Indianapolis, Mooresville and Carmel implemented a visitation restriction policy, limiting visitors to immediate family. Anyone who show symptoms is not allowed to visit.
“It’s been steadily building since December at all hospitals throughout Marion County and Indiana,” Franciscan Health spokesman Joe Stuteville said of the flu. “The flu season comes on in the later part of the year, in November and December, and the intensity varies from year to year. There usually comes a point near the end of the year or the start of the year when increased cases of the flu lead us to implement these temporary visitor restrictions.”
Stuteville said it is unknown when the restrictions will be lifted, but that the restrictions have arrived slightly later this year. Last winter, Franciscan Health Hospitals imposed visitor restrictions in late December.
Community Health Network, which has a location in Greenwood, imposed similar visitor restrictions on Jan. 9 with the addition of not allowing any visitors under the age of 18. Dr. Jaymin Patel of Community Health Network said these are minimal restrictions which could increase if flu season becomes more severe.
“Each year around this time, flu restrictions are implemented at Community Health Network hospitals,” Patel said in an email. “As flu season peaks, protecting our patients is our top priority.”
Both Patel and Stuteville advised people to wash their hands often to avoid getting sick. Stuteville also advised people to get a flu shot.
Franklin schools has not seen an increase in absences due to the flu at this point, school district Health Services Coordinator Amanda Martin said.
“We are being diligent about educating our students and staff on ways we can prevent the flu both at school and at home,” Martin said in an email. “We follow the recommendations from the CDC on how to properly disinfect our buildings and follow the criteria for sending students home as well as when they return.”
At Center Grove schools, the flu isn’t keeping kids home at this point, but stomach bugs and colds are, spokesperson Stacy Conrad said.
Across the county, children are sent home if they have temperatures of 100 degrees or higher or have symptoms of any of the contagious bugs going around.
Absentee rates at Clark-Pleasant schools are typical for this time of year, spokesperson John Venter said.
When it comes to the flu, Stuteville said there a couple of simple steps to avoid contracting the virus.
“Many people are in public places and you may be exposed to people carrying the flu and that’s why we encourage a number of things,” Stuteville said. “The (simplest) thing you can do is wash your hands, wash your hands a lot. Get a flu shot. A flu shot is very effective. If you’re sick, experiencing flu-like conditions, don’t put yourself in a position where you’re exposing others. See your doctor.”
