Horizon Health Enacts Temporary Visitor Restrictions

In response to increasing influenza activity in Illinois and across the country, Horizon Health has enacted temporary visitor restrictions.

These restrictions for inpatient areas, as recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health, will remain in effect until further notice. The restrictions are as follows:

• Limit the number of visitors to two at a time.
• No visitors under age 18.
• Visitors to pediatric patients should be parents and grandparents only.
• Do not visit if you have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), sore throat, or cough.

Visitors who have any of these symptoms, but still need to enter the facility, should obtain a mask and disinfect their hands at one of respiratory hygiene stations located within Horizon Health.

“Our facilities have had some positive influenza tests,” said Amy Arnett, RN, infection control manager at Horizon Health. “However, the quantity of individuals who have had the respiratory flu is unknown. The guideline is not to test all patients who present with flu-like symptoms, rather to treat those patients symptomatically.”

Arnett emphasized the importance of early treatment and receiving an annual flu vaccine. Influenza is a viral condition, which is not treated with antibiotics.