SAGINAW, Michigan (WJRT) - (01/16/2018) - Mid-Michigan hospitals put visitor restrictions in place on Tuesday due to an increase in reported flu cases.
New signs were posted on the doors of Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw on Tuesday.
The hospital is asking people to limit visitors to immediate family members who are healthy.
There will be no checks at the door, but staff are asking visitors with any type of respiratory illness, even minor colds, to steer clear of the hospital.
Covenant HealthCare said its aim is to protect its patient population from the flu virus.
"The reason we're restricting visitors, quite honestly, is so that we can get to keep our patents here in the hospital safe," said Alan Spencer, the director of patient safety and quality.
Spencer said they've seen an increase in the number of positive influenza cases. In the last week they had more than 100 cases reported from both their outpatient and inpatient labs to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
"Along those same lines, we've seen an increase of patients we've hospitalized with influenza." said Spencer.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recorded 2,442 cases of influenza statewide through Jan. 13. A spokesman said the flu is ramping up earlier this year, and they're seeing more of the severe strain.
"It is more severe but again, it attacks those patients who are most vulnerable, our elderly patients, our pediatric patients," Spencer said.
To reduce the spread of the flu, Nurse Cindy Koth demonstrated proper hand hygiene, that means washing for 30 seconds. It's also important to keep your hands away from your face and nose,
Spencer said the flu shot is still considered the first line of defense:
"Absolutely not too late," he said. "Anybody greater than the age of 6 months."
While this year's coverage is about 30 percent, the Health and Human Services Department said some coverage is better than none.
Family is good medicine, but Spencer is encouraging only those who are healthy visit their loved ones right now.
"We're asking that when you come to the hospital," he said,"that you are free from any respiratory signs and symptoms, no headache or fever, and that you're healthy."
Visitor restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
We also reached out to Hurley Medical Center in Flint, but they said they have not enacted any visitor restrictions at this time.