Ascension limits access to pediatric units amid early spike in respiratory infections

Officials at Ascension Via Christi in Wichita have reduced access and the number of visitors to its pediatric units at St. Francis to reduce the spread of viral respiratory infections.

“We’ve seen it earlier and a surge,” a hospital spokesperson said about the infections this week.

The hospital system saw 750 cases of respiratory illness over a week that ended Monday. The number of cases is similar to what the hospital system saw at this time last year, though the cases this year started earlier and spiked faster, she said.

The announcement comes amid an earlier-than-usual spike in flu nationwide.

National data shows the percentage of outpatient visits for respiratory illness is higher now than in any of the five previous flu seasons. State data shows the percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness is already higher than it got for all of the last flu season, which runs from September 1 through May 31 of the following year.

This year, health officials are worried about a number of different illnesses, including flu, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. Children and older adults are particularly susceptible to RSV, which is a factor in Ascension making the restrictions.

It’s common for the healthcare system to make these restrictions as flu season ramps up during the winter. The changes limit the access points to the pediatric units from two to one and reduce the number of visitors, now allowing two caregivers access 24 hours a day and one additional family 18 or older visitation from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We appreciate the cooperation of our visitors, patients, associates and providers to support our infection control efforts and provide a safe environment of care for everyone,” hospital president Joy Scott said in a news release.

This story was originally published November 22, 2022 at 5:43 PM.