Restrictions on visitors to West Medical Center, TriPoint Medical Center to keep flu from spreading

CLEVELAND - In an effort to stop the spread of the seasonal flu, Lake Health is temporarily limiting visitors to West Medical Center and TriPoint Medical Center.

Lake Health says some exceptions will be made, but for most, the following temporary restrictions are now in place:

- Visitors must be at least 19 years old; visitation will be limited to two healthy visitors per patient.

- Adults who have any flu-like symptoms or have been diagnosed with the flu within the past 7 days are asked not to visit.

- All visitors must wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after seeing a family member or friend.

So far this flu season, 863 people have been hospitalized with the bug, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Around the same time last year, 65 people had been hospitalized with influenza.

One of the ways you can protect yourself is by getting a flu shot.

For more information on the seasonal flu: www.lcghd.org or www.cdc.gov/flu or flu.ohio.gov