On Thursday, HSHS St. Joseph Hospital in Breese, Ill., imposed visitor restrictions due to increased cases of influenza.
The new restrictions request children under 14 years of age not visit the hospital unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, the hospital requests anyone exhibiting symptoms associated with influenza — fever, chills, sore throat, body or muscle aches, nausea and vomiting among others —to visit the hospital. The hospital suggests those experiencing flu-like symptoms wear masks when visiting the facility. Visitors are also encouraged to wash their hands often and use the disinfectant products made available at the hospital.
According to a HSHS St. Joseph release, all hospital employees were previously encouraged to receive a flu vaccine this fall. Those who have been vaccinated have a teal sticker on their ID badge. Those who remain unvaccinated are required to wear mask during flu season.
On Dec. 7, the Oregon Nurses Association filed an unfair labor practice charge against St. Charles Health System, headquartered in Bend, Ore., over the system's flu shot or mask policy.
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