SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – Area hospitals have implemented temporary visitor restrictions in response to an increase in Influenza A and other respiratory illnesses.
Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado has announced visitor restrictions until further notice to help prevent the spread of the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses.
According to a hospital social media post, visitors who are experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, cough, headache, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, or runny nose are asked not to visit.
Ferrell Hospital is also limiting visitation to adults 18 years of age and older and allowing no more than two visitors per patient per day in inpatient rooms. Visitors are encouraged to check the hospital’s website or call ahead for information on specific restrictions and possible exceptions. Patients in respiratory isolation are required to wear a procedural mask while receiving visitors, and all visitors are asked to practice proper hand hygiene when entering and leaving rooms. Visitors to respiratory isolation rooms should not access other public areas of the hospital.
Meanwhile, Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) has also implemented temporary visitor restrictions at its hospitals due to a sharp increase in Influenza A cases. SIH visitation is limited to individuals 18 and older, with no more than two visitors allowed per patient at one time.
Possible exceptions may be made for situations such as end-of-life care and family obstetric experiences. In those cases, visitors must receive approval from the patient’s nurse and will be evaluated for influenza-like symptoms prior to visiting. SIH is asking anyone with flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or sore throat, to refrain from visiting hospital facilities.
To help reduce the spread of illness, masks and hand sanitizer are available at all hospital entrances and throughout SIH facilities. More information is available at sih.net.
Deaconess Illinois Friday announced that in response to a steady increase in flu activity and RSV, all Deaconess Illinois hospitals, along with all Deaconess facilities are joining several other hospitals across the Tri-State to begin temporary restrictions for visitors.
Influenza-like illness reported by patients at hospital emergency departments in the area is on the rise. These temporary visitor restrictions are being implemented to help limit exposure and spread of these illnesses and to help protect hospital patients and staff.
Deaconess Health System is implementing temporary visitor restrictions across all Deaconess hospitals. For this region, the restrictions apply to Deaconess Illinois Crossroads, Deaconess Illinois Medical Center, Deaconess Illinois Union County and Red Bud Regional Medical Center.
The restrictions include:
• No visitors with symptoms of illness such as sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose.
• No visitors under the age of 16. Visitors should check the hospital’s website or call the facility in advance to learn more about its specific restrictions and any exceptions.
The policy is designed to help protect the most vulnerable patients from respiratory 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. Masks will be provided for guests by the facility.
Vaccines are currently available for flu, RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) and COVID-19. Individuals should talk with their medical provider about vaccines and which ones are recommended for them based on age and other factors.
According to the CDC, the 2025-2026 flu season is the most severe in 25 years, but Deaconess Illinois hospitals are also seeing an uptick in hospitalizations from RSV and Covid-19. Vaccines may not prevent an infection but can help with symptom management.
Key Health Reminders:
• Thoroughly wash your hands
• If you are feeling ill, mask up/limit social gatherings
• Cover coughs and sneezes when around others
• Get tested when you exhibit symptoms
Special arrangements can be made with each facility to allow additional visitors or younger visitors based on circumstances, such as births or end of life.