Van Diest Medical Center announced that limited visitor restrictions have been placed into effect this week due to an increase in influenza (respiratory “flu”) activity in the community and throughout Iowa. Hospital officials said they believe it is important to reducing potential exposure to the flu virus for patients, staff and visitors.

The following guidelines will be in place until further notice:

• Patients in Isolation will be limited to two visitors

• Pediatric patients will be limited to parents (guardians) and grandparents

• Emergency Department patients will be limited to one visitor

• Visitors under the age of 18 will not be permitted in the hospital

• Anyone coming into the hospital with flu or cold symptoms will be asked to wear a mask

• People who are ill or sick are requested to not visit patients. (Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle or body aches, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache and fatigue). Please postpone visits until symptom-free for 24 hours.

Other things to consider:

• If individuals have not been vaccinated against the flu, it is the best protection against the majority of flu viruses this season, and vaccinations are still available

• Masks and hand-washing stations are located throughout the hospital and their use is strongly encouraged for families and visitors

Hospital officials are working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health to monitor flu activity