January 17, 2013

Influenza update: Temporary visitor restrictions implemented at several St.Vincent Health Hospitals

Central Indiana is experiencing a significant increase in seasonal flu activity, and St.Vincent Health wants to make sure our associates, patients and visitors to our hospitals stay healthy.

Therefore, effective Friday, January 18, 2013, in cooperation with the Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety, St.Vincent Health is implementing the following visitor restrictions at all of our Indianapolis/Carmel-area hospitals:

  • No visitors with influenza-like illness, fever or cough
  • No visitors under age 18 (unless special arrangements are made)
  • No visitors beyond immediate family, partner or significant other

These temporary restrictions for visitation apply to the following locations:

  • St.Vincent Carmel Hospital
  • St.Vincent Heart Center of Indiana
  • St.Vincent Indianapolis Hospital
  • Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent
  • St.Vincent Seton Specialty Hospital - Indianapolis
  • St.Vincent Stress Center
  • St.Vincent Women’s Hospital

By temporarily restricting visitors, we can help limit the spread of the flu virus, and continue to provide exceptional care to our patients.

With that in mind, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from the flu. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a three-step approach to fighting influenza:

  1. Get a flu vaccine.
  2. Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs such as covering your cough and washing your hands throughout the day.
  3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

For more information on seasonal influenza, see the CDC’s guidelines at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.