Owensboro Health Regional Hospital lifted visitor restrictions Friday, with flu activity on the decline throughout the region and the state.
Visitor restrictions were put into place on January 24 of this year, when statewide flu activity reached the “widespread” level and the hospital had more than 75 positive rapid flu tests in a seven-day period.
Restrictions were ended after statewide flu activity dropped from “widespread” to “regional” and there were 48 positive rapid flu tests in the week of March 22 to 29.
Laura Gillim, RN, an infection prevention specialist at OHRH, said while this is welcome news, it’s still important to exercise caution.
“The number of influenza cases is typically greatest from October to April, but we see cases of the flu year-round,” Gillim said. “No matter what time of year it is, we always encourage people to use good hand hygiene and to cover their coughs and sneezes.”
Visitor restrictions at OHRH asked for the following:
- Visitors kept to a minimum and only included persons essential for the patient’s care and emotional well-being.
- No children under age 18 visiting patients
- Anyone with a cold, respiratory illness or flu symptoms was asked to refrain from visiting
- These symptoms include one or more of the following: Fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose and/or sneezing, muscle/body aches, headaches and fatigue
Visit www.cdc.gov/flu for more information about the flu and this year’s flu season.
