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Hospitals to patients' families: keep your germs at home

It's that time of year again... when sniffling and sneezing causes hospitals to go on alert.

The Greater Cincinnati Health Council says increasing flu cases and several whopping cough outbreaks mean Tristate hospitals are implementing visiting restrictions.

In a release, Tonda Francis, vice president of the Greater Cincinnati Health Council says, “Winter brings an increase in a number of respiratory illnesses, not just flu, and this year we have the added concern over the spread of pertussis. Although we know it’s difficult for family members and friends to not be able to visit their loved ones in the hospital, we also know visitors wouldn’t want to make their loved ones even sicker than they already are.”

People with respiratory symptoms including coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and fever won't be allowed to visit patients. Likewise, anyone under age 14 is restricted.

The restrictions are expected to remain in place through mid-March.
 

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.