Iowa Hospitals Ease Visitor Restrictions in Place Due to Flu

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Jan 18, 2010 at 2:17 PM CST

Story Updated: Jan 18, 2010 at 2:17 PM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - Two major hospital groups in Des Moines are relaxing visitor guidelines enacted last fall because of the flu.

Iowa Health-Des Moines and Mercy Medical Center said Tuesday they were easing restrictions put in place last October because a significant number of Iowans have been vaccinated against H1N1 and seasonal flu. Officials also note that Iowa continues to see a reduction in H1N1 cases and confirmed cases of seasonal flu haven't been detected yet.

Under the restrictions, children weren't allowed to visit most patients and only two people at a time could visit any one person.

The Iowa flu season typically lasts into March. The hospitals say visitors will be asked to take normal precautions, including not visiting patients if they have flu-like symptoms.

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