DETROIT (WWJ) -- It's flu season in Michigan, and the Detroit Medical Center is taking steps to try and stop the spread among patients, visitors and staff.
The DMC is implementing new visitor guidelines starting Monday, at all DMC facilities, including Children's Hospital of Michigan.
Effective Dec. 8, 2025, the guidelines are as follows:
· All patients are allowed up to two visitors at any one time.
· Visitors ages 12 and under, including siblings and other relatives, will not be allowed on inpatient hospital floors or in the observation units.
· Visitors ages 13 and over who have a fever, cough or rash are asked to choose another time to visit. This applies to both private and semi-private rooms. If hospitals have policies that are more restrictive than the proposed guidelines, they will continue to use them.
· Visitors who exhibit illness or cold symptoms are encouraged to visit during a period of wellness.
· Any exceptions to the Visitor Policy will be handled on an individual basis under the guidance of the direct care team.
Dr. Rudy Valentini, Group Chief Medical Officer at the DMC and Children's Hospital of Michigan, says the changes comes as they are starting to see a rise in influenza cases.
"Over the last three or four consecutive weeks we've seen this uptick," he told reporters on Friday. "It's primarily influenza. We're not seeing RSV or COVID in really high numbers yet, but we think all are probably coming at some point."
Dr. Valentini says a flu shot is recommend, and is still the best protection for everyone six months old or older.
There are a number of places in Metro Detroit where you can get flu vaccine including your local health department, vaccination clinics, doctors' offices, retail pharmacies, and some schools and workplaces. Most flu vaccine is free or low cost with insurance. However, if you are uninsured or underinsured there are options available. Get more information here.