Influenza puts restrictions on visitation

RONAN — Because 11 cases of a strand of Influenza B have been confirmed in the Ronan/Pablo area in recent weeks, St. Luke Community Healthcare is implementing a limited visitation policy.

“Effective immediately, visitors under the age of 10 will not be permitted to visit patients or residents at St. Luke ‘til further notice,” according to Donna McDaniel, Infection Control Nurse at the Ronan hospital.

McDaniel explains that the ten and under population has been determined to be more susceptible to the strand of Influenza B virus that has been identified in Lake County and are more likely to spread the virus.

“We will attempt to make arrangements for families with special situations, such as a gravely ill family member,” the assistant director of nursing goes on to explain. “Bottom line, though, is we need to protect the health of our patients and the health of our visitors.”

St. Luke is also asking that anyone with a fever, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea to refrain from visiting the hospital or extended care facility.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to lift the restriction after the first of April or when no more confirmed cases of flu are report to the health department,” notes McDaniel.

With a near-record number of birth being reported through February of 2012, additional visitor restrictions are now in place at The New Beginnings Birth Center. In addition to no visitors under the age of ten, only two visitors will be permitted with each new mom and baby – the significant other and one other well adult. McDaniel adds that no adults with fever, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea will be permitted to visit the new mom and baby during their hospital stay.

The St. Luke infection control nurse reminds everyone that it is important to remember three simple rules to stop the spread of the flu virus: “Wash your hands thoroughly and on every occasion possible, keep your family members at home if they have flu-like symptoms, and be prepared to stay at home yourself if you develop flu-like symptoms.” She adds, “We will let everyone know as soon as possible as to when our visitor restrictions will be lifted.”