Both of Galesburg’s major hospitals are limiting visitors for the time being due to increased flu activity in the Galesburg area. OSF St. Mary Medical Center and Cottage Hospital are both putting restrictive measures in place and are providing advice meant to protect patients, visitors and staff from infection. OSF spokeswoman Carrie Bernett says the decision comes in reaction to data provided by the Health Department. They ask individuals who have experienced flu-like symptoms in the last seven days to stay away. Cottage is only allowing two visitors with a patient at a time. Cottage’s spokeswoman Eileen Inness says that if visiting a patient can’t be avoid there are face masks that can be picked up for free at the information desk at the front entrance of the building. Both hospital are barring visitors under the age of 18 because of the prevalence of viral infections carried by children.
