Hospital seeks to limit flu with Healthy Visitors initiative

LUDINGTON — To help limit the spread of flu, all Spectrum Health hospitals, including Ludington, are requesting that people with flu-like symptoms refrain from visiting patients at the hospital.

“Precautions are necessary as flu season escalates, to protect vulnerable patients, as well as other visitors and staff,” said Lisa Morrill, infection control director at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. “We are trying to ensure that all visitors are healthy visitors. That’s important all year, but really critical during flu season. We thank everyone for helping in this effort.”

The hospital is asking people not to visit if they have such symptoms as fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, rash, draining sores, runny nose or congestion.

“We realize that it’s important for patients to have contact with loved ones,” Morrill added. “But with flu on the rise we encourage those who are not completely well to contact patients by phone, or visit our web site to send an email message to a patient.

“Please remember that influenza is highly contagious, easily transmitted, and can be very dangerous, especially for elderly, frail or young people. One of the most important tools in fighting the spread of flu is limiting exposure.”