By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

OSF HealthCare is looking to protect patients during this time of seasonal flu activity by asking the public to limit visits as a precautionary measure.

Effective December 20, it was requested that visitors be at least 18 years of age or older. They are also asked not to visit patients if they are not feeling well during the past seven days and to cover coughs or sneezes with your arm, shoulder or tissue, as this reduces the spread of germs. Handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand foam or gel when entering or leaving a patient’s room can also help limited the spread of disease.