Due to the increasing number of cases of respiratory pathogens in our community Witham Health Services has implemented Respiratory Restrictions.
These restrictions will be as follows:
- No hospital visitors less than 18 years of age
- No more than two visitor’s at a time per patient
- Clergy or spiritual leaders will be allowed to visit
- Those with respiratory symptoms may not visit
- Exemptions may be considered for end of life or for special considerations
- Visitors will be required to wear masks in some situations (when visiting patients in isolation or visiting immune-compromised patients)
The restrictions are designed to help protect the most vulnerable patients from these viruses. As with any time of the year, a visitor who is not feeling well should stay home. Visitors should observe the standard practices of washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes when around others.
Vaccines are currently available for flu, COVID-19 and RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) at the Witham Pavilion Point Pharmacy. Dr. Ross Strong, Chief Medical Officer of Witham Health Services strongly urges vaccination for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from illness.
“Getting vaccinated for flu helps protect everyone, but especially those over age 65 and the very young,” said Dr. Strong. “Other vaccines such as RSV and COVID-19 are also very important. RSV vaccine is recommended for adults ages 60 and over and for pregnant women. Like the flu vaccine, updated COVID-19 vaccine is available and recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.”
Flu can cause significant illness and, in some cases, lead to extended hospitalizations or death, and RSV causes hospitalizations and deaths for infants and those over age 60. COVID-19 still causes hospitalizations and death in the immunocompromised and those over age 60 – who are the most at-risk – but children, teens, and adults up to age 60 are also vulnerable to short and long-term complications and hospitalization.
The Abrysvo RSV Vaccine is recommended during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy to protect the newborn from hospitalization. People should talk with their medical provider about these vaccines and which ones are recommended for them based on age and other factors.
Witham Health will be following the Indiana State Department of Health’s Influenza-like Illness tracker to determine our mask requirements. In the event that our county moves to a moderate or high risk we will be increasing our mask requirements accordingly. Our staff and visitors are welcome to wear mask because MASK ARE NEVER WRONG. Masks will be available at check-in points and in patient care areas.
Witham is now the second hospital in the area with similar restrictions on visitors. Logansport Memorial Hospital basically the same restrictions late last week.