In a firm response to the escalating number of flu cases, Ferrell Hospital and various other local healthcare facilities have imposed stringent restrictions on visitations. This protocol has been primarily designed to bolster patient safety and to shield the wider community. Debbie Sullivan, an integral part of the team handling employee health and Infection prevention at Ferrell Hospital, highlighted that visitations are now limited to two adults (those aged 18 and over), per patient.
According to Sullivan, an increase in flu case levels in the Illinois region, as well as the multi-state area, is a strong driver behind enforcing these visitation limitations. Advocacy for sustained compliance to mask-wearing and a strict adherence to hand hygiene routines are part of Sullivan’s strategy to limit the spread of the flu. This protocol has been replicated by other healthcare facilities, including Franklin Hospital and Southern Illinois Healthcare Hospitals.
Deaconess Illinois, another network of hospitals, is due to begin similar temporary restrictions from Friday, involving its Union County and Red Bud Regional Medical Center branches. Corinna Warren, the SIH System Director of Infection Prevention, shared some insights into the current flu season, citing that it is more acutely severe than anything witnessed in the previous years. She observed an earlier onset of ICU admissions this season, indicating the heightened flu severity.
Dr. Matt Winkleman from SIH emphasized the critical role these restrictions play in protecting susceptible patients. Patients in hospitals, irrespective of their reason for admission, are predisposed to the risk of further infections, and it’s vital to shield them from these potential threats. Some hospitals have allowed for some flexibility in these stringent measures, where a nurse’s approval might allow exceptions, especially in cases demanding certain services. But emphasis has been laid on the importance of potential visitors, exhibiting flu symptoms, opting to stay home.
These restrictive measures would be kept in place until data from the IDPH and CDC indicate a measurable decrease in flu activity. There is repeated advice to the public: it’s not too late for a flu shot, and frequent hand washing and isolating oneself when sick can tremendously help in mitigating the spread of flu.