(WXYZ) — Henry Ford Health System has implemented visitor restrictions at five hospitals due to increased flu activity.
According to Henry Ford, the measure is in effect now until further notice at Henry Ford Hospital, Henry Ford Allegiance Health, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital.
Visitors have to be 12 years and older, and patients who have flu-like symptoms and have appointments should wear a mask and maintain proper hand hygiene.
The hospital said visitors who have flu-like symptoms are asked not to visit a hospitalized loved one, family member or friend until their symptoms improve.
“Flu activity is already at regional levels in Michigan and likely to worsen in the coming weeks,” says Betty Chu, M.D., Henry Ford’s associate chief clinical officer and chief quality officer. “This is a preemptive measure we take every year to help minimize the spread of flu illness and to protect the health of our patients, families who come to visit their loved ones and our team members. A decision to lift the restrictions will be made at a later point based on flu activity.”
Flu-like symptoms come on suddenly and include the following: Fever, extreme tiredness, headache, muscle aches, cough and sore throat.
Earlier this month, the DMC implemented visitor restrictions because of a rise in flu cases.
