BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – St. Joseph’s Hospital has revised its visitation policy to protect patients during the recent increase of flu cases in the region. 

The hospital asks that anyone with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills or fatigue refrain from visiting patients in the hospital.

Visitors will be limited to two people per patient at any given time. In the OB department, visitors are limited to two adults at a time of the patient’s choice. Siblings may be permitted at the discretion of the nurse. In the ER, visitors are discouraged, but if necessary, are limited to one person.

In addition, the hospital asks that children under the age of 12 not visit patients.

Visitors are asked to wash their hands frequently and use the hand sanitizers located at hospital entrances and by the elevators.