Banner, Uchealth implement visitor restrictions

Flu shots recommended as viruses spread

An uptick in flu and respiratory virus cases has prompted Banner Health to implement visitor restrictions in all of its hospitals as of Monday.

The following restrictions are in place at Sterling Regional Medcenter and all other Banner hospitals:

• Restricting visitors if they have a fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhea.

• All visitors over the age of 2 are required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth for the duration of their visit

• Restricting visitors under the age of 13. Siblings, who do not have cold and flu symptoms, may visit a new baby on the Obstetrics unit or Pediatric unit. That child may be screened for illness by staff before being allowed to visit.

• Children, including siblings will not be allowed to visit the NICU

• Children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times in public waiting areas and cafeterias.

• Visitors are highly encouraged to wash or sanitize hands frequently while at the hospital to prevent getting the flu or potentially spreading any illness.

“While we understand visitor restrictions can be difficult, they are necessary to prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses within our hospitals. We appreciate everyone’s help in keeping our patients safe,’’ said Joan Ivaska, senior director of infection prevention at Banner Health.

Uchealth also announced visitor restrictions Monday at its hospitals and clinics, including Uchealth’s Greeley Hospital, Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland and Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins.

• Most patients may have an unlimited number of visitors per day, but no more than 2 visitors or support persons at a time. Visitor hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Visitors under 12 years of age are prohibited from visiting these high-risk areas: all intensive care units, transplant locations, oncology inpatient floors and pediatric units including NICUS and special care nurseries. Restrictions also apply to some units where ICU

and oncology patients are being treated.

Wearing a mask is still required at Uchealth facilities.

The guidelines for patients with infectious diseases, including COVID-19, remains unchanged as well. One visitor or support person at a time, once per day for up to 2 hours may be permitted. Any authorized visitor must wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, as instructed by Uchealth staff.

“We are officially in respiratory viral season. That includes everything you can think of from the common cold to more severe illnesses, and it has begun with a vengeance,” said Dr. Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and control for Uchealth

and one of the top infectious disease experts in Colorado.

“Sometimes we have a slow start to the respiratory season. Not this year,” Barron said. “We went from nothing to hundreds of cases in a very short time frame.”

Increased cases of RSV, a common childhood respiratory illness, have already strained Colorado’s pediatric health care system, prompting the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to monitor the increase in hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses, and help to coordinate hospitals as they plan for a further potential surge.

Both Banner and Uchealth officials recommend everyone six months and older get a flu shot, as public health experts are concerned about a more severe flu season this year. For those older than 65, there’s a high dose vaccine that’s shown

to be actually more potent and has more protection against the flu. Also, the bivalent booster for COVID-19 is available and still very effective. It takes two weeks for these vaccines to be fully effective. And since the holidays are approaching, now is a great time to get one or both of the vaccines at the same time to protect yourself.

Barron also is advising people who are sick to avoid large gatherings.

“Use your common sense. If you’re sick, you don’t want to give your illness to grandma and grandpa. At the end of the day, the goal is to still be able to do things and enjoy the holidays. Just do it in a way that doesn’t impact others badly,” said Barron.

Her guidance is straightforward and familiar to most people since this is the third holiday season since the pandemic began in early 2020.

Barron’s tips to stay