Hospital limits visitors to curb illness

ST. MARYS - Joint Township District Memorial Hospital officials are limiting visitors to minimize the spread of respiratory infections.

Officials at Mercer County Community Hospital in Coldwater did not respond before deadline to messages asking if they were considering a similar visitor advisory.

Due to the local presence of the seasonal flu virus, West Central Ohio hospitals have opted to implement precautionary measures for everyone's protection, a JTDMH hospital news release stated.

"We respectfully ask the public to follow these guidelines during flu season, which typically lasts through March," infection prevention specialist Kristi Koch said in the release. "The seasonal restrictions include not permitting children under the age of 14 in the hospital for visitation purposes or anyone who exhibits flu or cold symptoms."

"Children are particularly likely to carry viruses since they are heavily exposed in the school setting, and with the guidelines we hope to minimize exposure in the hospital," Koch.

The exception is if a parent is taking a child to the hospital for tests or therapy or a doctor visit. Treatment is important for medical necessities, and the restrictions do not apply to children or adults needing care, the release stated.

"The action of restricting visitors exhibiting respiratory symptoms, including a fever, coughing and sneezing, and children under the age of 14 is a precautionary measure," Koch said. "Flu season has started, and hospitals want to ensure they can keep unnecessary contamination away from patients whose immune systems are compromised. It is also important to help keep nurses and other patient-care employees healthy so that they can take care of the patients."

The hospital also has exceptions for severe circumstances.

"The visitation restrictions are being implemented with the utmost sensitivity and respect to patients and their families," Koch explained. "Doctors, nurses and other hospital personnel will work with patients on a case-by-case basis to ensure that patients receive the support needed."

Deb Scheer, director of emergency management and epidemiologist for Auglaize and Mercer counties, said Ohio is experiencing widespread flu activity. Mercer County has had one confirmed influenza-associated hospitalization, and Auglaize has reported five since the start of the flu season in late December.

For more information on flu prevention and treatment, visit flu.gov.