(WWJ) -- With the number of RSV cases increasing, Corewell Health East -- formerly Beaumont Health -- has announced new visitor restrictions for children starting on Monday.
Beginning November 7, at 8 a.m., children five years of age or younger will no longer be allowed to visit patients in any of Corewell's eight hospitals. Exceptions will be made for extraordinary circumstances, including severe illness of a parent or sibling and end-of-life visitations.
The new restrictions were devised to protect patients and staff, as Corewell reports high volumes of patients with respiratory illnesses, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
In a Friday release, Corewell's Infection Prevention and Epidemiology team encouraged getting updated vaccinations, including a flu shot.
They also reminded those not affected by the new restrictions -- adults, teens and older children -- to stay home and avoid visiting the hospital if they experience cold, flu or RSV symptoms.
Those symptoms include:
- high fever
- cough
- sneezing
- shortness of breath
- runny nose
- wheezing
The Detroit Health Department also issued a press release on Friday, urging residents to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to help stop the spread of respiratory viruses this season and limit the demand on hospital beds -- particularly in pediatric units.
These repeated warnings come just days after a 6-year-old Macomb County child died of RSV.
According to the health department, it is especially necessary to prevent RSV infection in vulnerable populations -- babies, people ages 65+ and the immunocompromised.
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association offers the following advice to help mitigate the spread of RSV:
- Stay home if you are sick
- Practice frequent and proper hand washing
- Monitor symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms worsen
- Consider having children wear a mask in public places, including school, especially if local rates of respiratory illnesses are high
The Detroit Health Department is providing free immunizations at DHD Immunization Clinic (100 Mack Ave), Samaritan Center (5555 Conner Ave), and NW Activities Center (18100 Meyers). More information on walk-in hours and scheduling is available on the Detroit Health Department's website.
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