UPMC Asks Visitors With Flu-like Symptoms to Refrain From Visiting Hospitals

By Martin Kinnunen

To protect patients and the physicians and associates who take care of them, UPMC is asking all children, friends, and family with flu-like symptoms to refrain from visiting UPMC hospitals this flu season.

Holly Lorenz, R.N., M.S.N.

“Flu season has hit earlier and harder, and now is in full swing,” says Holly Lorenz, R.N., M.S.N., UPMC’s chief nurse executive. “This voluntary step helps protect the health of patients already in our hospitals and our physicians and associates, who need to remain healthy to care for them.” 

Asking family members and close friends who have flu-like symptoms not to visit a hospitalized loved one is difficult. 

“These guidelines will help UPMC keep your loved one safe and provide them with the best care possible,” says Lorenz. “We realize you would prefer to be with your loved one during their stay and we apologize if this is inconvenient for you.”

If it is essential for a visitor with flu-like symptoms to enter a patient care area, the visitor should be given a mask to wear while in all hospital areas.