Banner Health’s seasonal visitor restrictions are now in effect due to the increased flu and respiratory virus season. These restrictions impact all Banner hospitals across six states, effective on Monday, Dec. 4.

LEARN MORE: Flu shots can protect against potential bad flu season, Banner Health experts say

The restrictions include:

  • Children under the age of 13 are not allowed to visit patients in their rooms. If visiting a hospital, children under the age of 13 must be always supervised by an adult in public waiting areas and cafeterias.
  • Visitors are asked not to come to the hospital if you are experiencing:
    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Siblings may visit the new baby on the Obstetrics Unit but may be screened for illness by staff prior.  

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

“The health and well-being of our patients, staff and visitors are extremely important to us,” said Joan Ivaska, executive director of infection prevention at Banner Health. “We implement hospital restrictions during this time of year to keep everyone safe and help prevent the spread of infection. We appreciate visitors complying with our precautions to help protect themselves and others.” 

Medical experts have been keeping a close eye on this year’s flu and respiratory virus season. While hospitalizations currently remain low, Banner Health encourages everyone over the age of six months to receive the flu vaccine to protect themselves and others. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to set in. Flu shots are available at a Banner Health Urgent Care; most insurers will cover the vaccination.

Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country. In addition to 33 hospitals, Banner also operates an academic medicine division, Banner – University Medicine, and Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.