Sullivan County Community Hospital will not allow visitors under 16 or those showing signs of respiratory illness.
At Union Hospital in Terre Haute and Clinton , visitors will be limited to only two designated adults for the patient during their hospital stay. Note that the two adult visitors are to remain the same.
Terre Haute Regional Hospital is also limiting visitors to two adults per patient. In the pediatric and nursery units, visitors will be limited to parents and grandparents only, as well as the other restrictions listed.
Those planning a visit to a hospital should contact the facility for additional restriction information.
Union Hospital provided the following information on the flu.
What is influenza?
Flu is an illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract. Symptoms typically start one to four days after being around someone who is sick and can last two to seven days.
Symptoms usually include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea and nausea occasionally in children
Complications may include pneumonia, hospitalization and even death. Every year approximately 30,000 to 49,000 people in the United States die from the effects of this disease every year.
How is influenza spread?
Influenza is spread from close contact with persons who are already infected, all well as from touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with influenza viruses.
A person can spread the flu 24 hours before they have any signs or symptoms, also:
- People can be contagious and spread the illness 3-4 days after they become sick
- You can spread the virus one day BEFORE you have symptoms
- Children and people with weak immune systems might be contagious longer
That means that you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you even know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
How can influenza be prevented?
- Get your flu shot
- Wash your hands
- Cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze (use your elbow or upper arm, not your hands)
- Throw away used tissues
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Remain at home if you become sick
