Terre Haute hospitals limit visitors to curb spread of flu

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) - At least two western Indiana hospitals are restricting visitors to curb the spread of flu-like illnesses.

The (Terre Haute) Tribune-Star reports Regional Hospital and Union Hospital began restrictions Friday to protect patients and staff. Both are prohibiting visitors under the age of 18 and those with flu-like symptoms such as cough, congestion or fever, permitting only two visitors per patient, and, in pediatric and obstetrical units, visitors are limited to parents and grandparents only.

The Vigo County Health Department says there's been a recent increase in flu-like illnesses.

The Indiana State Department of Health, in its latest weekly flu report Friday, said influenza-like illnesses were widespread. It said Indiana has had 60 influenza-associated deaths this season, including 42 among people 65 or older.

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Information from: Tribune-Star, http://www.tribstar.com