Cincinnati-area hospitals in Ohio, Kentucky limit sick visitors to protect patients, staff from swine flu

Updated 11:27 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Beginning Monday, Ohio and Kentucky hospitals and health systems in the Cincinnati-area are asking visitors who have flu symptoms like coughing or fever to stay home, according to the Greater Cincinnati Health Council.

The 32 hospitals in the area are limiting visitors to people who have no upper respiratory infection symptoms and to those who are at least 14 years old to minimize the spread of viruses, including the H1N1 virus –or swine flu – virus to patients and health care workers, the council said.

Since Monday, two health council members in Indiana — Dearborn County and Margaret Mary hospitals – have signed on to follow the visitor restrictions, said Lisa Huddleston, communications manager for the health council.

In addition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is restricting patient visitors to parents and guardians because children are especially vulnerable to the swine flu virus.

“We normally see an increase in flu-like illnesses a bit later in the season,” said Tonda Francis, vice president of the Greater Cincinnati Health Council, in a written statement. “However, the flu season is starting earlier this year, and hospitals want to do everything they can to keep their patients safe.”