As the influenza season has reached its peak in Iowa this March, Guthrie County Hospital is taking precautions to prevent greater spread of the virus.

In an effort to keep patients, visitors, and staff safe, Guthrie County Hospital is implementing temporary flu visitation rules until further notice. For inpatient and emergency room care, the hospital is limiting visitors to two at a time in a patient room, and visitors must be 18 years of age or older, including siblings. If cases involve critically ill patients or end-of-life situations, visitors are asked to speak with a nurse.

Visitors are also urged to not visit patients or dine in the Sneakers Cafe if you are experiencing coughing or sneezing, or have had any flu-like symptoms during the past seven days, such as a fever of 100 degrees fahrenheit or higher, cough, or sore throat. Guthrie County Hospital advises people who have had those symptoms to contact their primary care provider by phone and determine appropriate care.