In response to the increased activity of respiratory viruses, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV, hospitals in and around the Indianapolis area have begun implementing temporary visitor restrictions. The decision came after a request from Virginia A. Caine, the director and chief medical officer of the Marion County Public Health Department, as part of the patient visitor policy of the Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety.

The visitor restrictions, outlined in a news release from the department, include several measures aimed at protecting vulnerable patients. Visitors with symptoms of illness, such as fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, and runny nose, are not allowed. Additionally, no visitors under the age of 18 will be permitted.

"These restrictions are designed to help protect the most vulnerable patients from these viruses. Visitors should observe standard practices of washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and masks will be provided for guests by the facility," stated the news release.

Multiple hospitals in Marion County, including those within the Community Health Network, Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Ascension St. Vincent, Indiana University Health, and Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital, are participating in the temporary visitor restrictions.

IU Health, in a separate news release, announced that starting on December 26, all of its hospitals, except those in the south central region, will limit visitors. The hospitals in the south central region will begin limiting visitors on December 27. The Riley Hospital for Children, within the IU Health system, has already been observing restrictions.

The visitor restrictions at IU Health will remain in effect until viral illness rates decline. The restrictions include no visitors under the age of 18 on patient units and no visitors with flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms. Masking is suggested for visitors to protect patients, given the high levels of circulating viruses. Everyone, including visitors, vendors, volunteers, and team members, is urged to practice vigilant handwashing and covering coughs.

Officials from the Marion County Public Health Department emphasized the availability and importance of vaccination. Vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV are currently available and recommended for eligible individuals. Caine highlighted the significance of vaccination, stating, "Getting vaccinated for flu helps protect everyone, but especially the very young and those over age 65. RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and for adults ages 60 and older. Like the flu vaccine, updated COVID-19 vaccine is available and recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older."

The public is advised to check hospital websites or contact the facilities in advance for more specific restrictions, any exceptions, and the start dates of the restrictions at each hospital.

As the respiratory virus activity continues to rise in Indianapolis, these temporary visitor restrictions aim to safeguard patients and minimize the spread of illness within healthcare settings.