Hospitals beginning temporary restrictions for visitors

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indianapolis hospitals are among those in the state imposing temporary restrictions on visitors to try to curb the spread of flu.

The Marion County Public Health Department says the hospitals of all major health systems in the county have agreed to begin visitor restrictions no later than Friday. The restrictions include no visitors with symptoms of influenza, no visitors under the age of 18, and visitors limited to immediate family as identified by the patient.

Individuals who are at the highest risk for experiencing complications of influenza include children under 2 and adults over 65.

The affected hospitals include the Richard Roudebush V.A. Medical Center.

Hospitals in Anderson and Elwood imposed similar restrictions on Wednesday.

The Indiana State Department of Health says flu activity is widespread across the state.