Area hospitals restrict visitors amid spike in respiratory illnesses

Hospitals serving the region moved this week to limit visitors as influenza and other respiratory viruses circulate more widely. Daviess Community Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes and Deaconess Memorial Medical Center in Jasper announced temporary visitor restrictions on Jan. 9 to reduce exposure risk for patients, caregivers and staff.

The restrictions generally bar anyone with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or muscle aches from visiting. They also limit visitors under age 16. Hospitals said these steps are precautionary as seasonal respiratory activity increases in the region, and urged people to check each hospital’s website or call for details and any exceptions.

For Dubois County residents, the measure has practical consequences. Families with hospitalized loved ones may need to rearrange plans, secure childcare or rely on phone and video check-ins in place of in-person visits. Deaconess Memorial Medical Center in Jasper is a primary local facility, so restrictions there directly affect patients from Jasper and surrounding hometowns. Nearby hospitals also serve county residents who travel for specialty care, making coordination important before visits.

Public health officials and hospital leaders cite infection control and patient safety as the main drivers. Limiting symptomatic visitors helps protect people who are already vulnerable, including older adults and those with chronic illness, and reduces the chance of staff shortages from workplace illness. The move also aligns with standard seasonal practices hospitals use when respiratory activity peaks.

Still, the policy raises equity and access questions. Restricting visitors under 16 and asking family members to stay away if sick can disproportionately burden low-income households, single parents and essential workers who lack flexible leave or affordable childcare. People without reliable internet or phone access may find it harder to learn about exceptions or make alternate arrangements. Community supports and employer flexibility can help close those gaps while protections remain in place.

Practical steps for residents: call ahead before visiting, postpone visits if you have respiratory symptoms, consider phone or video check-ins, and get an annual flu vaccination if eligible. Hospitals say specific exceptions and details vary by facility, so confirming rules with the hospital where your loved one is staying will save time and stress.

The takeaway? These restrictions are meant to shield the most vulnerable and keep local hospital operations running. Our two cents? Treat a visit like planning a trip to the county courthouse—call first, plan for backups, and bring patience.