ProMedica restricts visitors to curb spread of the flu

1/15/2013

To fight the further spread of the flu, ProMedica is restricting visitors to its hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Flu season started earlier than usual, and the number of Ohio flu-related hospitalizations reached 1,922 through Jan. 5.

ProMedica has responded by prohibiting from entering visitors with flu-like symptoms and those under the age of 18, unless they are seeking treatment. Those feeling feverish with a cough or with a fever above 100 degrees are restricted from entering facilities beginning today. Patients will be limited to two visitors at a time, and visitors should clean hands upon entering and leaving patient rooms.

Promedica has 11 hospitals in the Toledo region. A hospital spokesman called the rules a proactive step and said the policy will remain in place until the flu risk has lifted. The visitation restrictions may be waived by hospital officials for some critically and terminally ill patients.

Mercy is urging visitors who feel sick to avoid visiting patients at its sites but is not restricting any age group, a spokesman said.

There are no visitor restrictions in place at the University of Toledo Medical Center, the former Medical College of Ohio.